Jessé de Forest facts for kids
Jessé de Forest (born around 1576 – died October 22, 1624) was an important leader. He led a group of Walloon Huguenots. These were French-speaking Protestants who had to leave Europe. They faced religious persecution. Jessé de Forest wanted to start a new life for them in the New World. He planned to create a settlement in what is now New York City. This place was then called New-Amsterdam in New Netherland.
Early Life and Journey
Jessé de Forest was born between 1576 and 1578. His hometown was Avesnes in France. His family name came from a nearby village called Forest. Around 1609, he left Avesnes. He moved to cities like Sedan and Montcornet. Eventually, he settled in Leiden, which is in the Netherlands.
While in Leiden, Jessé de Forest worked to get permission. He wanted to move his family and other Walloon families to the New World. During this time, he also met the Pilgrim Fathers. These were the people who would later sail on the famous Mayflower ship. De Forest also served in the military. He was a lieutenant and captain under Prince Maurice of Nassau.
On February 5, 1621, Jessé de Forest wrote an important letter. It was a special kind of letter called a round robin. He sent it to Dudley Carleton, 1st Viscount Dorchester. Carleton was the English ambassador in the Netherlands. The letter asked for permission to settle in America. About fifty Walloon and French Huguenot families wanted to join the Puritans in Virginia. De Forest asked for a large area of land for them. This document is known as the Round Robin. Today, you can find it in the British Public Record Office.
On August 11, 1621, the Virginia Company agreed in general. But they added some rules. The main problem was that settlers could not live together. They could not form their own independent colony. Jessé de Forest did not agree to this plan.
Dreaming of a New Colony
Jessé de Forest really wanted to build a colony in the New World. This way, the Walloons could practice their Protestant Christian faith freely. They would not face persecution. So, he asked the Dutch for permission. He wanted to start a colony in what is now New York City. The Dutch agreed to his request.
He gathered about 60 families. These families were Walloons and Dutch Protestants. They planned to settle in New Amsterdam, New Netherland. The first permanent settlers arrived in New Amsterdam in May 1624. However, Jessé de Forest was not with them.
The Dutch West India Company was formed in 1621. This company created many new chances for colonization. Spain had stopped Dutch ships from trading in their lands, including Brazil. The Dutch had invested a lot in sugar production in Brazil. This led to a conflict over who would control the area. Jessé de Forest offered his and his countrymen's help to the Dutch West India Company. He told them that many families with different skills wanted to move to America. The Dutch government saw how important this was for future colonization. They quickly talked to the Company's leaders.
On August 27, 1622, Jessé de Forest finally got permission. He and other families could move to the West Indies. In 1623, he went on a trip to explore the coasts of Guyana. Jessé de Forest died on this trip. He passed away on October 22, 1624. He died on the bank of the Oyapock River. This river is now the border between Brazil and French Guiana. Ten years later, his daughter Rachel and his sons Isaac and Henri joined the colony. They settled in New-Belgium, near the future New York City. Rachel married Dr. Jean de la Montagne. He became the colony's first surgeon and an important leader.
Lasting Impact
There is a special monument in Battery Park in lower Manhattan, New York City. It is called the Walloon Settlers Memorial. The Belgian Province of Hainaut gave this monument to New York City. It honors Jessé de Forest for inspiring the founding of New York City. Baron de Cartier de Marchienne presented the monument. He represented the Belgian government and King Albert I. He gave it to Mayor John F. Hylan on May 18, 1924.
There is also a monument in Jessé de Forest's honor in Avesnes, France. A college and a street are also named after him there. Some people even call him a "Founder" of New Amsterdam.
