New Netherland and Maryland 7

In 1609, Henry Hudson, hired by the Dutch East India Company, explored the New York City area and the river named after him. The Dutch initially sought the fur trade and established relations with the Iroquois. In 1617, Dutch settlers built a fort where Albany now stands. Manhattan was purchased in 1624 from Native Americans for $24 and renamed New Amsterdam. To attract settlers, the patroon system was introduced, granting large estates to those who brought in 50 adults. Swedish settlers attempted to establish New Sweden along the Delaware River, which was later absorbed by New Netherland. In 1632, the Calvert family received a charter for Maryland, becoming a haven for Catholics with mixed feudal and modern governance. Maryland's first town, St. Mary's, was established in 1634, and its first legislature met in 1635.