The Fascinating History of a Dutch Island

Today, Manhattan is one of the iconic locations of the United States of America. It is also the place where New York was born. However, the origins of Manhattan are often forgotten these days. Modern Manhattan’s history is related to people who conquered many colonies – the Dutch.

Nowadays, the island has a population of 1,626 million people (2013). It is the heart of New York City and a symbol of the USA. Its name comes from the Algonquian language, which was spoken by the earliest inhabitants of the area. The name means ”hilly island” or ”place of intoxication”.

The Land of Lenape

The area of Manhattan first belonged to the Native American tribe Lenape. This tribe is known also as the Delaware Indians, and they created the First Nations band government. Their territory included the area of New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, the Delaware River, and western Long Island. Europeans pushed them out of their land during the 18th century.

Lapowinsa, Chief of the Lenape, Lappawinsoe painted by Gustavus Hesselius in 1735. (Public Domain)

Map showing the territory of the Native American tribe Lenape. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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