How 'New Amsterdam' Became 'New York'

How 'New Amsterdam' Became 'New York'

From American History Hit by History Hit

June 1, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 388

About this episode

The episode discusses the transition from New Amsterdam to New York and the historical context surrounding it.

Have you ever wondered how Harlem got its name? There are countless remnants of the Dutch colony on Manhattan island. But when did it end? And why? Don is joined by best selling author Russell Shorto to discuss the British takeover of New Amsterdam. Russell is the author of 'The Island at the Center of the World’, and ‘Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America'. Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe .   All music from Epidemic Sounds. American History Hit is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Don

Guest: Russell Shorto

Topics covered

  • New Amsterdam
  • New York
  • British takeover
  • Dutch colony
  • Harlem
  • history

Keywords

  • New Amsterdam
  • New York
  • Russell Shorto
  • British takeover
  • Dutch colony
  • Harlem
  • history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Hit

Books & works: The Island at the Center of the World, Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America

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