The Evolution of Manhattan: From Native Roots to Global Hub

Manhattan's Native Roots
Manhattan's Native Roots
Before European settlement, the Lenape people inhabited Manhattan, calling it 'Mannahatta' or 'island of many hills'. They fished in its rivers, hunted local game, and farmed corn, beans, and squash.
Dutch Arrival & Naming
Dutch Arrival & Naming
In 1626, Dutch settlers founded New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. The name 'Manhattan' derives from a Lenape word, believed to reference the island's hilly terrain.
British Takeover, 1664
British Takeover, 1664
The English seized New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664, renaming it New York after the Duke of York. The diverse population included African slaves who had a profound, often unrecognized, impact on the colony's development.
Revolutionary War Pivot
Revolutionary War Pivot
Manhattan played a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Fort Washington in 1776 was a significant loss for the Americans but showcased their resilience and strategic evolution.
Birth of a Metropolis
Birth of a Metropolis
The Erie Canal's completion in 1825 positioned New York as a preeminent port, accelerating its growth. By the late 19th century, Manhattan became the core of a booming metropolis.
Skyscraper Race Begins
Skyscraper Race Begins
The 1916 Zoning Resolution triggered a race for the sky. The Woolworth Building (1913) and later the Empire State Building (1931) epitomized Manhattan's vertical aspirations.
Contemporary Cultural Hub
Contemporary Cultural Hub
Today, Manhattan stands as a global cultural and financial hub. Home to Wall Street, Broadway, and Central Park, it continues to shape world trends and policies.
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Who first inhabited Manhattan?
Dutch settlers in 1626
The Lenape people
British colonists in 1664