Q: What distinguished the culture of the New Netherland colony from its neighbors?

A: In the wake of d'Halve Maen's Hudson River expedition, European traders soon settled in the region to take advantage of its many favorable conditions. The Dutch established the New Netherland colony in 1624. This colony stretched from the Delaware River to the Connecticut River, with the Hudson at its heart. Settlers came from all over, resulting in a strikingly diverse population; New Netherland boasted colonists hailing from the Netherlands, Norway, England, Africa, and more. By the early 1640s, over eighteen languages were spoken in the colony.

Just as in the Netherlands, the colony was known for its tolerance and freedom. Settlers had various religious affiliations, including Protestants, Jews, Quakers, and Catholics. Freedom of conscience was recognized by law, so many who felt persecuted for their religious practices left Europe for the colony. Furthermore, the extensive rights women enjoyed in the Netherlands were also carried over to the colony. For example, under 17th century Dutch law, women could own land, run businesses, and represent themselves in court, whereas women held almost no rights in other countries. With such practices, it's no wonder why the Mohicans caught the Dutch explorers' attention, since Mohican women also enjoyed many rights and freedoms. For example, as Mohican women were the heads of matrilineal clans, they helped select tribal leaders and controlled villages as well as family longhouses.