Fort Orange, 1635
A Dutch map of Rensselaerwyck drawn in 1632, clearly indicates the fort standing
on the river’s edge in an area of cultivated flats. The moat which surrounds the fort
on all but the east side next to the Hudson River is visible. Specific plans for this fort
are not known to exist. This fort however was built on the same general plan as
numerous other Dutch facilities around the world.
Numerous data sources provided the basis for this painting. Details were obtained
from the archeological findings uncovered by Paul Huey for the New York State
Historical Trust in a partial excavation of the Fort Orange site in 1970. Additional
material was gathered from studies of similar Dutch installations in Europe, North
and South America, and Asia. Seventeenth century Dutch paintings and drawings
provided much of the information pertaining to building details, ship construction and
rigging, clothing, and various site embellishments. Many hours of consultation with
historians from different disciplines brought all the pieces together into a coherent
form.
on the river’s edge in an area of cultivated flats. The moat which surrounds the fort
on all but the east side next to the Hudson River is visible. Specific plans for this fort
are not known to exist. This fort however was built on the same general plan as
numerous other Dutch facilities around the world.
Numerous data sources provided the basis for this painting. Details were obtained
from the archeological findings uncovered by Paul Huey for the New York State
Historical Trust in a partial excavation of the Fort Orange site in 1970. Additional
material was gathered from studies of similar Dutch installations in Europe, North
and South America, and Asia. Seventeenth century Dutch paintings and drawings
provided much of the information pertaining to building details, ship construction and
rigging, clothing, and various site embellishments. Many hours of consultation with
historians from different disciplines brought all the pieces together into a coherent
form.
Fort Orange was located on the banks of the Hudson River in Rensselaerwyck,
which is now modern day, Albany, New York located approximately 150 miles north
of the Dutch city of New Amsterdam, which is now modern day New York City.
which is now modern day, Albany, New York located approximately 150 miles north
of the Dutch city of New Amsterdam, which is now modern day New York City.