Moving to "the finest, healthiest and most fertile land of this world": Dutch Migration to New Netherland, 1624-1664

Willem Klooster

Migration to New Netherland, a Dutch colony from 1609 to 1664, was hardly impressive compared to migration to the English colonies. It was only toward the end of Dutch rule that hundreds were arriving every year. Push factors such as in England were lacking in the Dutch republic with its favorable religious climate and its economic boom. In addition, the West India Company's wavering between setting up a factory or starting a settlement colony was not helpful.

[WP #96007]