Willem Kieft

Timeline

1. 1638–1641New Amsterdam (Fort Amsterdam) · New AmsterdamKieft succeeded Wouter van Twiller in charge of New Netherland. To reverse company losses he ended the fur trade monopoly, granted land and recruited immigrants of many nations, expanding New Amsterdam's population and streets. At the same time he demanded tribute of corn, wampum and furs from neighboring natives, which chiefs regarded as uninvited extortion, planting the seeds of conflict.
2. 1641–1643Pavonia · PavoniaAfter thefts on Staten Island and a fatal tavern incident, Kieft sent troops to punish the Raritans and convened a council of twelve seeking authorization for war. The council opposed a general war and demanded permanent representatives, and was promptly dissolved. On 25 February 1643, against the advisory opinion, he sent troops in a night raid on Algonquin refugees at Pavonia and Corlears Hook who were sheltering from Mohawk attacks, slaughtering women and children in what became known as the Pavonia massacre.
3. 1643–1645Fort Amsterdam · New AmsterdamThe Raritan, Lenape, Wappinger and other tribes united in counterattack, striking isolated farms; the colonial population plummeted and some settlers returned to Europe. A council of eight petitioned the homeland for Kieft's recall. On 30 August 1645 the authorities concluded a treaty with the Hackensack, Tappan, Wappinger and Mahican chiefs before the fort, with Mohawk envoys present. The war permanently damaged intergroup relations.
4. 1646–1647Off Swansea · SwanseaThe West India Company directors dismissed Kieft over war casualties and expenses and appointed Peter Stuyvesant to succeed him. Kieft sailed for Amsterdam aboard the Princess Amelia in 1647 to defend himself, and perished off the coast of Wales on 27 September; the dissenting minister Bogardus and others aboard also died, and all his archives were lost.