Fort Nassau (South River) facts for kids
Fort Nassau was an important trading post built by the Dutch in New Netherland. It existed from 1627 to 1651. The fort was located where Big Timber Creek meets the Delaware River. This spot is in what is now New Jersey.
It was the first known permanent building made by Europeans in New Jersey. The creek's name, Timmer Kill, came from the Dutch language. The Delaware Valley and its bay were called the "South River" by the Dutch. The "North River" was the Hudson River.
The main purpose of Fort Nassau was fur trade. The Dutch traded mostly for beaver furs. They traded with local Native American groups. These groups included the Susquehannock and the Lenape. The fort also helped the Dutch claim the land.
Where Was Fort Nassau?
The exact location of Fort Nassau is still debated. Many people think it was in today's Gloucester City, New Jersey. Other ideas place it on a peninsula in a cove, which is now Brooklawn, New Jersey. Some even suggest it was on the south side of the creek's cove, in today's Westville, New Jersey.
Early Years of the Fort
At first, the fort was not always used. Sometimes, local Native American groups used it during their seasonal travels.
In 1635, settlers from the Virginia Colony took over the fort. Wouter van Twiller, the governor of New Netherland, sent soldiers to get it back. The Dutch successfully retook the fort. This event was one of the first fights between the English and Dutch in the New World.
After this, the fort was always staffed. However, its location was not ideal for trading. The best areas for trapping furs were on the west side of the Delaware River.
Conflicts and Changes in Control
From 1638 to 1655, the Delaware Valley was part of New Sweden. This colony was started by Peter Minuit. He was a former leader of New Netherland who had bought the island of Manhattan.
In 1651, Peter Stuyvesant, the Director-General of New Netherland, made a big change. He had parts of Fort Nassau taken apart. Its weapons and supplies were moved to the other side of the river. He wanted to challenge the Swedes and show Dutch control. He renamed this new structure Fort Casimir.
On Trinity Sunday in 1654, Johan Risingh arrived. He was a new leader for New Sweden. He tried to force the Dutch out of the Delaware Valley. His forces attacked Fort Casimir, and the Dutch soldiers surrendered. Risingh renamed it Fort Trinity. Now, the Swedes fully controlled their colony. On June 21, 1654, local Lenape groups met with the Swedes. They confirmed their ownership of the land.
However, Peter Stuyvesant led a Dutch force to retake the fort. They succeeded on September 11, 1655. He renamed it New Amstel. Soon after, Fort Christina also fell to the Dutch on September 15. This meant all of New Sweden came under Dutch control. The Dutch appointed John Paul Jacquet as governor. New Amstel became the capital of the Dutch colony.
See also
In Spanish: Fort Nassau (South River) para niños
