Photo © Library of Congress (LOC)

Stuyvesant arrived in New Amsterdam

Description

Peter Stuyvesant, born around 1612, studied at the University of Franeker before joining the Dutch West India Company. After holding positions in Brazil and Curaçao, he became the acting governor of the latter in 1642. In 1644, during an attack on Saint Martin, Stuyvesant lost his leg, earning him the nickname "Peg Leg Pete."

Arrived, May, 1647

After returning to the Netherlands, he was appointed Director-General of New Netherland in 1647, tasked with restoring the struggling colony of New Amsterdam (modern-day New York City). Kieft's administration of the colony had left the colony in terrible condition. Only a small number of villages remained after Kieft's wars, and many of their inhabitants had been driven away and returned home, leaving only 250 to 300 men able to carry arms. Kieft himself had accumulated a fortune of over 4,000 guilders during his term in office, and become an alcoholic.

Related People & Organizations

Peter Stuyvesant

Willem Kieft

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