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This image represents an 1852 facsimile of a map by Adriaen Cornelissen van der Donck, a Dutch lawyer and landowner, depicting the region of New Netherlands, including a view of Nieuw Amsterdam (modern-day New York City) as it was in 1656.
Van der Donck's map, originally created in the mid-17th century, provides a visual depiction of early Dutch settlement in the northeastern region of America, including the layout of Nieuw Amsterdam. This settlement was a central part of New Netherland, a colonial province of the Dutch Republic on the east coast of North America.
Van der Donck’s map illustrates the history and geography of Dutch settlements along the Hudson River and beyond, highlighting the region's settlements, rivers, and interactions with indigenous populations. At the bottom of the map is an image of New Amsterdam as it appeared in 1656 (a year after Van der Donck's death), showcasing its early windmills, wooden houses, and the fortified settlement that would eventually evolve into New York City.
In 1640, Adriaen Cornelissen van der Donck, a young law student at the University of Leyden, was inspired to move to New Netherland, where he quickly rose to prominence. Appointed by Killian van Rensselaer as the first Schout (a kind of attorney-general or sheriff) of the patroonship at Rensselaerswyck, Van der Donck found himself at odds with the harsh laws imposed by the Dutch West India Company, particularly the restrictions on tenant trade. His relationship with the company and other Dutch officials was tense throughout his career, particularly during the tumultuous governance of Willem Kieft and later, Director-General Pieter Stuyvesant.
Van der Donck became deeply involved in the political life of New Netherland, championing the cause of its settlers and advocating for reforms in governance. His most significant political contribution was his leadership of the Nine Men, a group of settlers appointed to advise the colonial government. This group aimed to petition the Dutch government for greater autonomy and to address issues within the colony, resulting in the influential "Remonstrance of New Netherland" in 1649. Van der Donck’s continued advocacy led to tensions with Stuyvesant, eventually culminating in his arrest and a prolonged legal battle. Despite these challenges, Van der Donck's legacy is marked by his contributions to the political and geographical understanding of New Netherland.
Van der Donck’s map visually narrates the history and geography of Dutch settlements along the Hudson River and beyond. This facsimile highlights the region's settlements, rivers, and interactions with indigenous populations. At the bottom of the map is a picturesque rendering of New Amsterdam as it appeared in 1656, showcasing its early windmills, wooden houses, and the fortified settlement that would eventually evolve into New York City. The cartography reflects a detailed knowledge of the territory's geography, which Van der Donck likely gained during his work with Native Americans and his travels across the region.
This specific reproduction was published in 1852 as part of D.T. Valentine’s Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York. Geo. Hayward, a prominent lithographer, produced this facsimile based on Van der Donck’s original map, continuing the legacy of documenting the early history of what would become one of the most significant cities in the world. The facsimile was intended to make historical documents like Van der Donck's map more accessible to a wider audience, preserving the visual history of New Netherland for generations to come.
Valentine’s manual itself was a compilation of historical documents related to New York, making this facsimile part of a broader historical project designed to chronicle the growth and development of the city. As one of the earliest visual records of New York, this map remains a crucial artifact for understanding the colonial history of the region.
