1625

January - March
More settlers arrive in Oranjeboom (Orange Tree). 11 had died after contracting plague in England en route. Soon 6 more families and a few single settlers arrive at Manhattan's southern tip, bringing total to 45.

Settlers describe rich flora and fauna, tall corn and plentiful fish and game. Cattle and dairy cows arrive. Dairy products remain rare for years; cheese is used for bartering.

Johan de Laet say, "... there is great traffick in the skins of beavers, otters, foxes, bears, minks, wild cats and the like. The land is excellent and agreeable, full of noble forest trees and grape vines ...".

Dutch West India Company expect public worship to be in line with Dutch Synod catechims but allow freedom of conscinece in private matters. Leading members of New Netherland Company - settlers and voyagers - to serve Director as advisory council.

Kryn Frederyks lays out Broadway, Park Row, Fourth Av. and the Bowery. Stone houses replace makeshift huts. Colony numbers about 100. Director Wilem Verhulst selects a site for Fort Amsterdam (roughly where Pearl, Beaver, Whitehall and Broad Streets are); 1st permanent settlement on Manhattan. 1st office building on Whitehall Street between Bridge and Pearl Streets - a stone structure with a reed-thatched roof, owned by Dutch West India Company.