History Extra Podcast: "How the English Took Manhattan"

Release Date: April 27, 2025

In this captivating episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Eleanor Evans, renowned historian Russell Shorto delves into the intricate and often misunderstood history of how the English acquired Manhattan from the Dutch in 1664. Drawing from his extensive research and his acclaimed book, "Taking Manhattan," Shorto unpacks the nuanced events that transformed a peaceful Dutch trading post into what would eventually become one of the world's most iconic cities.

1. Setting the Stage: The Dutch Presence in Manhattan

[02:00]

Russell Shorto begins by contextualizing the early European settlement of Manhattan. In 1624, the Dutch established the colony of New Netherland, with Manhattan as its focal point. The strategic location of the southern tip of Manhattan provided unparalleled access to the harbor, facilitating robust trade networks.

“The Dutch knew perfectly well that the Lenape did not have a concept of property transfer. So they knew that to them this was more like entering into an alliance...”
— Russell Shorto [03:05]

2. The Lenape Deed: Debunking the $24 Myth

Shorto addresses the infamous legend that the Dutch purchased Manhattan for $24. He clarifies that the 1626 deed with the Lenape was undervalued in later interpretations. The agreement stipulated the transfer of the island for 60 guilders, exchanged in European goods—not a mere fee but a seal for a defensive alliance.

3. New Amsterdam: A Hub of Tolerance and Capitalism

[06:55]

Contrary to the traditional American narrative that views Dutch settlement as disorganized, Shorto emphasizes that New Amsterdam was a well-established, multi-ethnic society. The Dutch fostered a culture of tolerance and laid the foundational elements of capitalism, setting Manhattan on a path that would influence its future profoundly.

“They brought the building blocks of capitalism. And those two things were a recipe for not just New York City, but for American history...”
— Russell Shorto [06:55]

4. The English Motivation: Expanding an Empire

[12:42]

Post the English Civil War, England sought to expand its imperial reach. The success of the Dutch in establishing a global trading empire sparked envy in England's leadership. Under the stewardship of James, the Duke of York, England aimed to seize New Netherland to bolster its own colonial ambitions and curb Dutch influence.

5. Richard Nicholls: The English Governor

[14:50]

Enter Richard Nicholls, a Royalist with deep ties to the Stuart monarchy. Born in Bedfordshire, Nicholls’ loyalty to the Crown made him the ideal candidate to lead the expedition to seize Manhattan. His strategic acumen and understanding of both Dutch and English interests positioned him uniquely for the task.

6. The Calm Before the Storm: Preparations for Takeover

[21:38]

As Nicholls arrived with his flotilla of warships, tensions escalated. The Dutch leader, Peter Stuyvesant, had fortified New Amsterdam in anticipation of such an event. However, both sides recognized the challenges of outright warfare in defending the exposed and strategic island.

7. A Negotiated Merger: Avoiding Bloodshed

[25:33]

Defying expectations of violence, Nicholls and Stuyvesant negotiated a peaceful transfer of power. Instead of a military takeover, they crafted the Articles of Transfer, which resembled a bill of rights. This agreement guaranteed that the multi-ethnic society and capitalist structures established by the Dutch would continue under English rule, preserving the colony's prosperity and cultural diversity.

“...they worked out what I call in the book a merger. So it wasn't a military takeover. It was the so-called articles of surrender are not actually called that. They're called articles of transfer.”
— Russell Shorto [25:33]

8. Unsung Heroes: The Role of Women in Negotiations

[30:58]

Amidst the high-stakes negotiations, two women played pivotal roles. They ventured from the fort to Gravesend, an English enclave within the Dutch settlement, to present a secret message to Nicholls. Their discreet mission exemplified the collective effort of the colony's inhabitants to preserve peace and maintain their way of life.

9. The Shadow of Slavery: Early Slaves in New Amsterdam

[23:15]

Shorto acknowledges the presence of enslaved Africans in the colony, highlighting that while slavery was not a dominant force during the Dutch period, its seeds were sown with the arrival of the first slaves in 1627. The English takeover amplified the slave trade, laying the groundwork for New York's later prominence in this grim aspect of history.

10. Aftermath and Legacy: Shaping Modern New York

[34:01]

The merger had lasting implications. Nicholls, as the first English governor, named the colony New York, solidifying English influence. Meanwhile, Stuyvesant’s legacy was complex; despite being recalled and initially criticized, his efforts to preserve the colony's Dutch heritage were vindicated as New York flourished as a nexus of trade and culture.

“He decided all this on the ground, just as he decided so much of this creative merger solution.”
— Russell Shorto [25:33]

11. Enduring Dual Heritage: Dutch and English Influences

[39:46]

Shorto posits that New York’s enduring identity is a blend of its Dutch and English roots. This dual heritage fostered a unique environment of diversity, tolerance, and economic innovation, underpinning the city's evolution into a global powerhouse.

“I think what gave New York its distinction was the fact that it had these two parents, that it had a Dutch base at a time.”
— Russell Shorto [39:46]

12. Conclusion: Revisiting Richard Nicholls and Peter Stuyvesant

In wrapping up, Shorto reflects on the legacies of Richard Nicholls and Peter Stuyvesant. While Nicholls is recognized for his role in the peaceful transfer and the establishment of English governance, Stuyvesant is remembered for his steadfast defense of the colony and his complex relationship with both the Dutch and the English authorities.

“...his loyalty to the place and its people and the settlement and what they had built there was greater.”
— Russell Shorto [37:13]

Final Thoughts

Russell Shorto’s exploration offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in New York’s history, shedding light on the delicate balance of power, culture, and negotiation that shaped the city. By highlighting lesser-known figures and emphasizing the collaborative efforts that avoided conflict, the episode enriches our understanding of Manhattan’s transformation from a Dutch enclave to an English colony.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Shorto’s “Taking Manhattan” for a more comprehensive delve into this fascinating episode of history.

This episode was produced by Daniel Kramer Arden.