The Misunderstood Sale of Manhattan: Unraveling the Truth Behind New Amsterdam’s Transfer

The history of New Amsterdam's transfer to the Dutch has long been surrounded by misconceptions and rumors. This article will delve into the actual events that led to the Dutch settlement on Manhattan and the Deliberate misunderstanding that ultimately caused the Algonquian tribes to believe they were merely granting permission for cattle grazing rather than selling the land.

From the Indians to the Dutch

Traditionally, it is often claimed that the indigenous people of New York sold the land to the Dutch in 1626. However, this narrative is a mix of historical facts and misconceptions. The Algonquian tribal members did not sell the land because the transaction was based on a Deliberate misunderstanding.

The Original Contract: Rights vs. Ownership

The Algonquians sold the Dutch the right to graze their cattle on the land, but not the right to own the land. This contract was not formed upon mutual consent and is thus considered void.

The Rise of New Amsterdam

Despite the misunderstanding, a successful Dutch settlement New Amsterdam grew up on the southern tip of Manhattan. This settlement was legitimatized through the formal purchase of Manhattan from the Lenape Native Americans, the tribe from which the island derives its name.

Peter Minuit and the Purchase of Manhattan

Peter Minuit, the Dutch governor, carried out this formal purchase on May 24, 1626. Representing the Dutch West India Company, he met with local Lenape Native Americans to purchase the rights to the island of Manhattan for the value of 60 guilders, roughly equivalent to the worth of beads and trinkets.

Ashamed Calculation?

Some have humorously illustrated this transaction by comparing it to someone saying they have a “gift” for you (say 100), handing it over, and then turning around to say that you have sold them your home and car and will have to leave immediately. In reality, the Lenape had no concept of land ownership, rendering the transaction a farce from their perspective.

The Anglo-Dutch Transfer and the Treaty of Breda

While the Dutch settled in New Amsterdam, the Algonquians' main aim was to achieve long-term cooperation and stability, not to sell the land. The transfer of New Amsterdam also had a broader geopolitical context: when the English took over in 1664, the Dutch relinquished their claim and, in exchange, the English agreed to give up their claims in Surinam, located in north South-America.

The End of the Anglo-Dutch War and Its Aftermath

The Treaty of Breda, signed in 1667, crystallized the new status quo. New Amsterdam officially became New York, reflecting the colonial shift and the rise of British dominance in the region.

Conclusion

The purchase of Manhattan by the Dutch is a complex and often misunderstood historical event. What began as a misunderstanding about land rights and ownership eventually led to the establishment of a Dutch colonial presence on the island. This chapter in history serves as a reminder of the intricate and often unintentional ways in which historical narratives can evolve.