Kieft's War (1626–1645)
From a roadside robbery to a two-year war that shattered the Wappinger Confederacy
1626
Three laborers rob and kill a man carrying furs to trade. His young nephew escapes and vows revenge — a vow he will fulfill fifteen years later.
1641
The boy, now a man, enters the wheelwright's shop near Turtle Bay with beaver skins and murders him with an axe. Director Kieft demands the Weckquaesgeek surrender the killer.
Aug 1641
The first popularly elected body in New Netherland urges Kieft to demand the killer 'once, twice, yea for a third time' in a 'friendly manner.' Kieft refuses and dissolves the council.
Late 1643
The famous religious dissident, living in exile in the Bronx, is killed by Siwanoy warriors as the war engulfs the entire region. ~1,500 indigenous warriors attack across New Netherland.
Feb 25, 1643
Dutch soldiers kill ~120 sleeping Wappinger refugees at Pavonia (Jersey City), including women and children. 40 more killed at Corlears Hook that same night. Unified Algonquian resistance follows.
Mar 1644
Captain John Underhill's forces attack a Weckquaesgeek village. Many burned alive in their dwellings. One of the deadliest single events in the colonial Indian wars.
Aug 1645
After two years of war costing over 1,500 indigenous lives, the Kitchawank and 68 other tribes sign peace with the Dutch. A plaque at Croton Point Park marks the site.