Fort Amsterdam Facts for Kids

A map of Nieuw Netherland from 1660. Fort Amsterdam is located on the southern tip.

Fort Amsterdam was a very important building on the southern tip of what is now Manhattan in New York. It was a strong fort that served as the main office for the Dutch and later the British rulers of the area. Built in 1625, it was used until 1790, when it was taken down after the American Revolution. Over the years, this fort had many different names, including Fort James, Fort Willem Hendrick, Fort William, Fort Anne, and Fort George, depending on whether the Dutch or the British were in charge.

What Was Fort Amsterdam?
- Why Was the Fort Built?
A Fort with Many Names
- Who Lived and Worked There?
The End of Fort Amsterdam
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What Was Fort Amsterdam?

Fort Amsterdam was a fort built by the Dutch. It was like the main office for the entire Dutch colony called New Netherland. This colony included parts of what are now New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware. The fort was placed in a key spot to protect the settlement and control trade.

Why Was the Fort Built?

The Dutch built Fort Amsterdam to protect their new settlement and their trading activities. They wanted to make sure their ships and goods were safe. The fort was also a symbol of their power in the new world. It helped them manage the colony and keep order.

A Fort with Many Names

The fort's name changed many times because the land it stood on was fought over.

It started as Fort Amsterdam when the Dutch built it.
When the British took control in 1664, they renamed it Fort James after the Duke of York.
The Dutch briefly recaptured it in 1673 and called it Fort Willem Hendrick.
But the British soon got it back and changed the name to Fort James again.
Later, it became Fort William and then Fort Anne.
Finally, it was known as Fort George before the American Revolution.

Who Lived and Worked There?

The fort was home to soldiers, government officials, and sometimes even the governor of the colony. It was a busy place where important decisions were made. People lived and worked inside its walls, making it the heart of the colonial government.

The End of Fort Amsterdam

After the American Revolution, the United States became an independent country. There was no longer a need for a British or Dutch fort. So, in 1790, Fort George (as it was then called) was torn down. A new building called the Government House was built in its place. This new building was meant to be the home for the President of the United States.