First Dutch SettlersThe first group of Dutch settlers did not
stay for long on the new continent and they can hardly becalled
settlers. It had not been their choice to stay there: their
ship, the Tyger (tiger) had caught fire sailing on the Hudson.
Captain Adriaen Block was commanding one of the ships that came
looking for trade on the American coast in the years after
Hudson's voyage. They bartered beads and knives for furs from
the natives. When Block came in the winter of 1613-1614 he lost
his ship in a fire and had to spend the winter in America. He
let his crew build a couple of huts and then they began building
a sloop, the Onrust (unrest). In the spring Block and his men
did some explorations along the coast of Long Island (Het Lange
Eiland). Block Island still bears his name. Finally they were
sighted by another Dutch ship and Block and his crew were off
again. But Block's maps created a new interest in America. A
group of thirteen merchants acquired a charter from the Staten
Generaal - the dutch equi