Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

Exploring Dutch Heritage Through Research 

HOW TO USE Click the numbered locations on the map to explore the fur trade of New Netherland, or select Begin the 7-Step Journey to follow a beaver pelt from Native trade networks to Fort Orange, down the Hudson River to New Amsterdam, and across the Atlantic to Europe. Use the buttons above the map to explore Trade Routes, Native Nations, and Settlements. When you're finished, test what you've learned with the Quick Check.
New Netherland Institute — Interactive Learning Prototype

Follow the Fur Trade Through New Netherland

This map follows one beaver pelt through a much larger system of Native diplomacy, regional trade, Dutch settlement, river transport, and Atlantic commerce. Click numbered places for detailed information, or use the guided route.

Mohawk / Haudenosaunee Mahican Lenape 1Interior trade networks 2Mohawk-controlledroute eastward 3Fort Orange / Beverwijck 4Esopus / Wiltwijck 5Hudson River transport 6New Amsterdam 7Atlantic shippingto Europe Lenape communities Delaware River region Connecticut River
Educational schematic. Geography is simplified; Native territories and political influence changed over time.

What changed hands?

Beaver pelts
Highly valued export commodity, especially for felt hat production.
Wampum
Used in diplomacy, exchange, and regional trade; its meaning was not simply “money.”
Metal tools
Axes, knives, kettles, and other manufactured goods entered Native trade networks.
Firearms & repair
Guns, powder, and access to Dutch gunsmiths became politically important.

Primary-source moment: 1659

At Fort Orange, Mohawk representatives reminded the Dutch that their alliance should matter even when there were no beavers to trade. They also raised concerns about brandy, violence, gun repair, gunpowder, and military cooperation.

Ask: What does this tell us about the relationship besides economics?

Adapted from Mohawk proposals to the Dutch at Fort Orange, September 6, 1659, as presented by the New Netherland Institute.

Quick Check

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About New Netherland Institute

For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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About New Netherland Institute

For over three decades, NNI has helped cast light on America's Dutch roots. In 2010, it partnered with the New York State Office of Cultural Education to establish the New Netherland Research Center, with matching funds from the State of the Netherlands. NNI is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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