Peter Minuit was a Dutch government administrator who was instrumental in the creation of the Dutch colony of New Netherlands.

Early Life

Peter Minuit was born in Wesel in today’s Germany. His exact date of birth is uncertain. But it is believed that he was born between 1580 and 1585. Many historical manuscripts put it as the year 1580. He was brought up to take over the family business. In 1609, he took over control of the family business after the death of his father. With charm and a good reputation, Minuit managed to expand the family enterprise. His philanthropic work towards the poor was popular with the Protestants in Wesel. The town had a huge number of Protestants who sought a safe haven from the Catholic Spanish colonial masters.

He relocated with family to Utrecht in 1815. Minuit became a member of the Dutch West Indies Company. This was a company founded to aid the establishment and running of Dutch colonies in the new world.

advertisement

advertisement

New Netherland Director

Minuit was an established business person and church minister. His acumen as a fair broker in negotiations made him rise through the ranks of the West Indies Company. In 1625, he was dispatched to the new world. Upon his arrival, he was tasked to explore the hinterland for trade deals with the native inhabitants. After his assignment was over he sailed back to the Netherlands.

He stayed in Europe for a few months. In May 1626, Minuit arrived in the Dutch colony. The colony governor had been removed. Minuit became the third director of the company. The position was tantamount to being the governor of the colony. To expand the colony, Minuit had to get land. He purchased the Manhattan Island from the native inhabitants. This theory has however been bitterly disputed by historians. None can ascertain what the agreement entailed, but the fact remains that both parties left satisfied.

advertisement

advertisement