Exploration and Early Settlement
This timeline covers the early exploration and settlement of the area now known as New York City, highlighting key events and figures that shaped the city's beginnings.
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano's Arrival
Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, working for France, becomes the first European to enter New York Harbor and names it Nouvelle-Angoulême.
1609
Henry Hudson's Expedition
Henry Hudson, a British explorer hired by the Dutch, accidentally discovers the natural harbor of New York while searching for a route to the Orient.
1613
Juan (Jan) Rodriguez
Juan (Jan) Rodriguez becomes the first documented non-Native American to live on Manhattan Island, marking the beginning of European and African settlement.
1624
Founding of New Amsterdam
The first Dutch colonists, primarily Belgian Huguenots, arrive to establish New Amsterdam, which would later become New York City.
1626
Introduction of Slavery
The first African slaves arrive from Angola and are forced to build a fort and clear farmland for white settlers, introducing chattel slavery to North America.
