North River and The Manhattans New Netherland

map (c. 1639), manhattan situated on north river (north arrow pointing right)

peter minuit became director of new netherland in 1626 , made decision affected new colony. originally, capital of province located on south river, realized location susceptible mosquito infestation in summer , freezing of waterways in winter. chose instead island of manhattan @ mouth of river explored hudson, @ time called north river.

minuit traded goods local population, in 1 of legendary real estate deals ever made, , reported had purchased natives, company policy. ordered construction of fort amsterdam @ southern tip, around grew heart of province called manhattoes in vernacular of day, rather new netherland.

the port city of new amsterdam outside walls of fort became major hub trade between north america, caribbean, , europe, , place raw materials loaded, such pelts, lumber, , tobacco. sanctioned privateering contributed growth. given municipal charter in 1653, time commonality of new amsterdam included isle of manhattan, staaten eylandt, pavonia, , lange eylandt towns.

in hope of encouraging immigration, dutch west india company established charter of freedoms , exemptions in 1629, gave power offer vast land grants , title of patroon of invested members. vast tracts called patroonships, , title came powerful manorial rights , privileges, such creation of civil , criminal courts , appointing of local officials. in return, patroon required company establish settlement of @ least 50 families within 4 years live tenant farmers. of original 5 patents given, largest , successful endeavour rensselaerswyck, @ highest navigable point on north river, became main thoroughfare of province. beverwijck grew trading post bustling, independent town in midst of rensselaerwyck, did wiltwyck, south of patroonship in esopus country.