The Ethnic History of New York

European influences

Giovanni da Verrazzano is the pioneer in European influences in our study of the ethnic history of New York when he stumbled upon the region then occupied by Lenape Native American Indians in 1524.  More European influences entered the area when Dutch fur traders set up their “New Amsterdam” settlement in 1625 in what is now Manhattan. Later on, the English took over New Amsterdam by force and called it “New York.”

The Draft Riots of New York

Not many people talk about The Draft Riots of New York of 1863 but these series of riots make up a  vital part of the ethnic history of New York. Multiple murders of African Americans (then called Negroes or simply Blacks) resulted from The Draft Riots of New York. Even an orphanage for Negro children in New York was not spared by the rioters. Other riots were conducted in other US cities at around the same time.