Giovanni de Verrazzano was an Italian explorer who first reached New York Bay 500 years ago. Born in Tuscany in 1485, he was tasked by King Francis the 1st of France to sail west and find new trade routes to Asia. Unfortunately, his journey was plagued by a violent storm that sank most of his ships, leaving only La Dauphine. Despite this setback, Verrazzano and his crew continued on, encountering Native Americans along the coast of present-day North Carolina and later New York Bay.
Verrazzano’s encounters with Native Americans were documented in letters to the French King, detailing their welcoming nature and marvel at the Europeans’ appearance. He continued north to Rhode Island, where he encountered more native tribes, describing them as beautiful and civil. He found that the Native Americans valued trinkets like blue crystals and beads over items like silk and gold. Despite his interactions with various tribes, Verrazzano was eventually driven off by hostile Native Americans as he attempted to land in Maine.
Following his voyage to North America, Verrazzano went on two more expeditions, exploring the Caribbean Islands. Unfortunately, his final expedition ended in tragedy when he was captured, killed, and reportedly eaten by cannibals on the island of Guadeloupe. Despite his unfortunate demise, Verrazzano’s voyages were instrumental in European exploration of the New World.
Verrazzano’s journeys paved the way for future explorers, including Henry Hudson’s 1609 voyage on behalf of the Dutch Republic. Ultimately, the Dutch purchased the Island of Manhattan from the Native Americans, establishing the settlement of New Amsterdam. British rule over New Amsterdam was short-lived, with the city becoming America’s first capital under the U.S. Constitution in 1788. Today, New York City stands as a beacon of freedom and opportunity for many seeking a better life in the New World.
In the second half of the 20th century, Verrazzano’s name and reputation were re-established as the European discoverer of New York harbor. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the United States, was named in his honor. A statue of Verrazzano also stands in New York’s Battery, commemorating his exploration and encounters with Native Americans. As New York City celebrates the 500th anniversary of Verrazzano’s arrival at New York Bay, his legacy as an intrepid explorer and key figure in the city’s history is remembered and honored.
