Sunday, June 3, 2012

Even Old New York was Once New Amsterdam

I've been enjoying learning about some of my earliest ancestors to immigrate to this country.....back when it wasn't this country.  Andries Rees and his family were some of the earliest settlers in New Amsterdam, which is present day New York City.  I loved using an interactive version of the Castello Plan to see the site of the tavern which Andries purchased sometime before 1660.  Since I know my mom is about the only person to ever look at this blog, I'll give you directions to find his tavern, mom - see the most northeastern block, up near Wall Street?  His tavern is highlighted in purple, not on the waterfront but up closer to Wall St. on Smee St. (also known as William St.).  Pretty interesting to read about some of the colorful characters who might have visited his tavern over the years.  I hope to delve even further into some of this early history in the next few months, but for now, this was pretty cool to discover!