Kiliaen Van Rensselaer

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer (1585 - 1643) was a Dutch merchant who was heavily involved in the Colonial American trade market. He was originally a diamond and pearl merchant and became a major investor in the Dutch West India Company, founded in 1621.

Related Topics:
1585 - 1643 - Dutch - Colonial American - Diamond - Pearl - Dutch West India Company - 1621

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Van Rensselaer purchased land in the New Netherland Colony and established the largest and only successful patroonship in the colony, Rensselaerwyck. He never visited his holdings himself, but rather, sent his cousin, Arent Van Curler, as commissary-general (or superintendent). Van Rensselaer's son, Jeremias Van Rensselaer, did come to the New World and settled in Rensselaerwyck, and the various members of this prominent New York State family descended from him.

Related Topics:
New Netherland - Patroon - Rensselaerwyck - Arent Van Curler - Jeremias Van Rensselaer

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Rensselaerwyck manor covered most of modern-day Albany and Rensselaer Counties, and parts of modern-day Columbia and Greene Counties in New York State.

Related Topics:
Albany - Rensselaer - Columbia - Greene - New York State

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Both Rensselaer County, New York and the City of Rensselaer are named after Van Rensselaer.

Related Topics:
Rensselaer County, New York - City of Rensselaer

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