Dutch Trade in Manhattan

The trade that occurred between the Dutch and the Lenape involved goods like guns and blankets, but the true value of the land exchanged has been debated. While the Lenape had some form of land ownership, it’s unclear if the individuals involved had rights to the territory they traded. The Dutch established a settlement that would eventually evolve into New York, leaving a lasting influence on the city’s names and structure, despite the British takeover in 1664.