The Founding Charter of New York

American Minute from William J. Federer

The Dutch sent Henry Hudson to find a water route across America to the Pacific. Though unsuccessful, Hudson claimed the land along the "Hudson" River, and there the Dutch West India Company founded New Netherlands, receiving its charter JUNE 3, 1621.

The Chamber of Amsterdam wrote in articles for the Colony, 1624: "They shall within their territory practice no other form of divine worship than that of the Reformed religion...and thus by their Christian life and conduct seek to draw the Indians and other blind people to the knowledge of God and His word, without, however, persecuting any on account of his faith, but leaving each one the use of his conscience."

The Charter of Freedoms, June 7, 1629, gave land to wealthy "Patroons" who helped 50 families emigrate. It stated: "Colonists shall...in the speediest manner...find out ways and means whereby they may support a Minister and Schoolmaster, that thus the service of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool."

In 1664, the colony became New York.

Born in New York, Franklin Roosevelt told the Detroit Jewish Chronicle, March 7, 1935: "All I know about the origin of the Roosevelt family in this country is that all branches bearing the name are apparently descended from Claes Martenssen Van Roosevelt, who came from Holland sometime before 1648."

William J. Federer is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and president of Amerisearch, Inc, which is dedicated to researching our American heritage. The American Minute radio feature looks back at events in American history on the dates they occurred, is broadcast daily across the country and read by thousand on the internet.