Overview
This lecture covers Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage, early Dutch-Native American encounters, the origins of the Hudson River trade, and the Two Row Wampum treaty's significance.
Henry Hudson’s 1609 Voyage
- Henry Hudson was an English captain hired by the Dutch East India Company.
- In September 1609, Hudson sailed the Half Moon past Manahata Island (later Manhattan) and traveled up the river now called the Hudson.
- The local Indians called the river “Mahikintop,” meaning "ever flowing large water."
- Hudson was searching for a shorter water route to Asia.
Early Encounters and Trade
- Hudson’s crew met Leni Lenape, Mahekin, and Mohawk people during a one-month journey.
- Native Americans offered corn, beans, grapes, apples, oysters, beaver and otter pelts, wampum, and tobacco.
- The Dutch traded only trinkets, knives, and hatchets in return.
- Tensions arose after a crew member was killed, leading to Dutch and English violence against Native Americans.
Dutch Settlement and Treaty
- The Dutch aimed to set up trading posts along the river.
- In 1613, the Dutch and Mohawk agreed to a treaty for peaceful relations, symbolized by the Two Row Wampum.
The Two Row Wampum Treaty
- The Two Row Wampum represents two vessels (one European, one Native) traveling side by side without interfering.
- Each vessel contains its people's language, culture, and laws.
- The parallel paths symbolize peaceful coexistence, friendship, and mutual respect.
- The wampum beads (purple and white) symbolize the two groups traveling together in peace.
Cultural Exchange and Material Culture
- Native Americans were introduced to the concept of material value and monetary trade through fur exchanges.
- Furs became highly valued by Europeans for luxury items.
- The agreement was meant to last "as long as the grass grows and the sun shines," emphasizing its intended permanence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Two Row Wampum — a treaty symbolized by two parallel rows of purple beads on white, representing peace and equality.
- Wampum — strings of polished shell beads used for record-keeping, ceremonial gifts, and treaties.
- Material Culture — physical objects and trade items valued by a society.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of the Two Row Wampum and its importance.
- Prepare for discussion on Native-European trade and treaty relations.