Today in History: Manhattan Island

New York: a birdseye view from the harbor, showing Manhattan Island in its surroundings

Today in History–May 4–the Library of Congress features Manhattan Island. On this date in 1626, Dutch colonist Peter Minuit arrived on the wooded island at the behest of the Dutch West India Company. Minuit later “purchased” the island from resident Algonquin Indians for the equivalent of $24.  The town of New Amsterdam, located at the southern end of the island, was renamed New York City after it was seized by the British in 1664. Find out more about Manhattan Island by visiting the Today in History section, then check out the related resources listed below.

The Sale of Manhattan The Dutch in America, 1609-1664

Defending Manhattan Island, September 1776  analyzing primary source texts

Books related to Manhattan Island

Historical newspaper coverage related to Manhattan Island

Manhattan Beach March sheet music

Manhattan Island maps

Manhattan Island images

Related resources