History of New York City
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The written history of New York City began with the first European explorer, the Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. European settlement began with the Dutch in 1608 and New Amsterdam was founded in 1624.
Manhattan in 1873, looking north. The Hudson River is at left. The Brooklyn Bridge across the East River (at right) was built from 1870 to 1883.
1627 letter in Dutch by Pieter Schaghen stating the purchase of Manhattan for 60 guilders.
New Amsterdam in 1664
Peter Stuyvesant
Giovanni da Verrazzano
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Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian (Florentine) explorer of North America, in the service of King Francis I of France.
Giovanni da Verrazzano
Verrazzano's voyage in 1524
La Dauphine (model) sailed by Verrazzano in 1524
South face of Verrazzano's monument in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware