Esopus Wars facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Esopus Wars
Part of the American Indian Wars
Date September 1659–September 1663 Location New Netherland Result Dutch victory
Belligerents
Dutch settlers Iroquois Confederacy	Esopus tribe of Lenape Indians
Commanders and leaders
Captain Martin Cregier	Chief Papequanaehen

The Esopus Wars were two conflicts between the Esopus tribe of Lenape Native Americans and Dutch settlers. These wars happened in the mid-1600s in what is now Ulster County, New York. The first war started because of an attack by the settlers. The second war was a continuation of the anger felt by the Esopus tribe.

A Look at the Past: Before the Wars

Before Europeans arrived, the area around present-day Kingston, New York, was home to the Esopus people. They were a tribe of the Lenape (also known as Delaware) Native Americans. Around the year 1600, it's thought that about 10,000 Esopus people lived in small village communities.

In 1609, Henry Hudson explored the Hudson River. This was the first time the Esopus people met Europeans. Dutch settlers built a trading post, called a factorij, in the Kingston area in 1614. The Esopus tribe used this land for farming. They destroyed the trading post and made the settlers leave.

The colonists tried again in 1652, setting up a new settlement in Kingston. But the Esopus drove them out once more. The settlers returned in 1658 because they believed the land was excellent for farming. They built a strong wooden fence, called a stockade, to protect their village. They named this new colony Wiltwijck. Small fights continued, but the Esopus could not make the settlers leave for good. Eventually, the Esopus tribe allowed the settlers to use the land.

The First Esopus War: A Quick Fight

The First Esopus War was a short conflict. It took place between Dutch settlers and the Esopus Native Americans. It lasted from September 1659 to July 1660.

The war began when a group of Dutch settlers shot at some Esopus people. The Esopus were celebrating around a campfire at the time. After this, more Esopus warriors attacked Dutch settlements outside the stockade. They then surrounded the walled town of Wiltwijck.

The colonists were greatly outnumbered. They knew they could not win by force alone. However, they managed to defend their town and launch small attacks. They even burned the Native Americans' fields to try and starve them out. The settlers also received help from New Amsterdam (which is now New York City).

The war ended on July 15, 1660. The Esopus agreed to trade some land for food. But even with the peace, strong feelings of tension remained between the Esopus and the settlers. These feelings eventually led to the second war.

The Second Esopus War: A Surprise Attack

On June 5, 1663, Dutch leaders tried to meet with the Esopus tribe. They hoped to make a new peace agreement. The Esopus replied that they liked to talk about peace without weapons and in the open. So, the settlers left the gates of Wiltwijck open.

On June 7, many Esopus arrived. Many pretended to be selling farm goods. This allowed them to sneak deep into the town as scouts. At the same time, Esopus warriors completely destroyed the nearby village of Nieu Dorp (Hurley, New York). The colonists in Wiltwijck did not know this was happening.

Suddenly, the Esopus scouts inside Wiltwijck began their own attack. They completely surprised the settlers. They quickly took control of much of the town. They set houses on fire and kidnapped women. The settlers fought back and eventually drove the attackers out. The Esopus escaped, and the settlers quickly fixed their defenses. On June 16, Dutch soldiers carrying supplies were attacked on their way from Rondout Creek. But they managed to fight off the Esopus.

Throughout July, colonial soldiers explored the Esopus Kill area. They found it hard to tell different Native American tribes apart. They captured some traders from the Wappinger tribe. One of these traders agreed to help them. He gave them information about different Native American groups. He also guided them through the area. Even with his help, the colonists found it hard to find the Esopus. The Esopus used clever fighting methods and could easily disappear into the woods.

After several small fights that didn't achieve much, the colonists got help from the Mohawk. The Mohawk served as guides, interpreters, and warriors. By the end of July, the colonists had enough extra soldiers. They decided to march toward the Esopus stronghold in the northern mountains. However, their heavy equipment made them slow. The land was also very difficult to travel through. They realized they were at a disadvantage. Instead of a direct attack, they burned the surrounding fields. They hoped this would starve the Esopus out.

For the next month, small groups of soldiers went out to burn Esopus fields. There was not much other fighting. In early September, another colonial force tried to fight the Esopus on their own land. This time, they were successful. The battle ended with the death of Chief Papequanaehen and several others. The Esopus fled. The colonists, led by Captain Martin Cregier, looted the Esopus fort. They took supplies and prisoners before leaving. This effectively ended the war, though the peace was not completely stable.

What Happened After the Wars?

First page of the 1665 treaty between the British colonies and the Esopus tribe. It aimed to stop fighting between Christians and Native Americans, including harming animals and buildings.

The Dutch settlers remained suspicious of all Native Americans they met. They even had doubts about the Wappingers and Mohawks, who had helped them defeat the Esopus.

Native American prisoners taken by the colonists in the Second Esopus War were moved through areas the Dutch had not yet explored. These prisoners described the land to the colonial leaders. The leaders then sent people to map out these new areas. Some of this land was later sold to French Huguenot refugees. These refugees established the village of New Paltz.

In September 1664, the Dutch gave control of New Netherland to the English. The English colonies then drew new borders for Native American lands. They paid for land they planned to settle. They also made it illegal to settle on established Native American lands without full payment and agreement.

The new treaty allowed safe travel for both settlers and Native Americans for trading. It also stated that "all past Injuryes are buried and forgotten on both sides." It promised the same punishment for settlers and Native Americans found guilty of murder. It also showed respect to the sachems (leaders) and their people. Over the next twenty years, Esopus lands were bought up. The Esopus people moved out peacefully. They eventually found safety with the Mohawks, north of the Shawangunk mountains.

See also

• In Spanish: Guerras Esopus para niños