Brooklyn, as we know it today, is an incredibly diverse borough, home to millions of people from all over the world. But long before the borough became a vibrant, multicultural community, it was settled by the Dutch and English during the colonial era. If you’re tracing your family roots in Brooklyn, you may find that some of your ancestors were part of this early colonial history. But how do you go about uncovering these early settlers, especially if you’ve reached a brick wall in your genealogical research?

In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Dutch and English settlers in Brooklyn, and I’ll provide you with the tools and resources to help break through that research barrier. We’ll focus on identifying important historical events, the ethnic groups involved, and the timeframes that may help you narrow down your search and uncover vital information for your family history.

Early Settlement of Brooklyn: The Dutch Influence

The history of Brooklyn starts with its Dutch settlers in the early 1600s. The Dutch West India Company, a trading company, established the colony of New Netherland, which spanned parts of modern-day New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Brooklyn was originally part of this larger colony.

In 1636, the Dutch founded a settlement called “Breuckelen,” which is how Brooklyn got its name. The early Dutch settlers were primarily farmers and traders who arrived in search of opportunities to grow crops, raise livestock, and build a new life in the New World. Many of these early settlers came from the Dutch provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Utrecht.

For those with Dutch ancestry, genealogical research can be particularly rewarding. Early Dutch settlers in Brooklyn, often referred to as “New Netherland colonists,” kept detailed records of their land grants, marriages, and property transactions. Some records from this era are still preserved, and it’s worth looking into these as a way to track your Dutch ancestors.

Key Timeline of Dutch Settlers in Brooklyn:

• 1624-1664: Dutch settlers in New Netherland.
• 1636: Establishment of the settlement of Breuckelen (modern-day Brooklyn).
• 1664: English takeover of New Netherland, renaming it New York. Many Dutch settlers remained in the area under English rule.

Research Tips:

• Look into records such as the Dutch Church records in New Amsterdam (modern-day Manhattan), which include baptismal, marriage, and burial information.
• Explore land patents and wills, which can provide clues about where your ancestors lived and their occupations.
• Dutch surnames are often a rich source of genealogical information. Some families retained traditional Dutch naming conventions for several generations, even after English rule was established.

English Settlers and the Changing Landscape

In 1664, the English seized control of New Netherland from the Dutch. Under English rule, the region was renamed New York, and its population began to change. The English settlers who followed in the wake of the Dutch were part of a broader wave of migration from England, particularly in the late 1600s and early 1700s.

The English were drawn to Brooklyn by its fertile land, proximity to New York Harbor, and growing commercial potential. Early English families in Brooklyn were involved in farming, fishing, and trade. Many were established landowners or became influential figures in the region, with some even receiving royal grants for land.

By the early 18th century, Brooklyn had developed a reputation as a rural haven just outside the bustling city of New York. English-speaking families, many of whom were descendants of Puritans, Quakers, or Anglicans, formed the majority of the population. If you’re researching English ancestors in Brooklyn, keep in mind the broader historical context of this period—the rise of the British colonial empire, the Atlantic slave trade, and the American Revolution.

Key Timeline of English Settlers in Brooklyn:

• 1664: The English take control of New Netherland and rename it New York.
• 1670s-1700s: The influx of English settlers begins in earnest.
• 1700-1750: Brooklyn begins to grow into a key agricultural and commercial center, attracting more English settlers.

Research Tips:

• English settlers often recorded their activities in legal documents such as land deeds, wills, and court records.
• The Anglican Church records (in Brooklyn and Manhattan) and the records of the Church of England may provide valuable information on English settlers, including baptismal, marriage, and burial details.

Important Historical Events: Key Moments in Brooklyn’s Colonial History

Several key historical events shaped the lives of both Dutch and English settlers in Brooklyn. Understanding these events can help you identify when your ancestors may have arrived, moved, or made key decisions that impacted their family history. Below are some critical events to consider:

1. The English Takeover of New Netherland (1664): The shift in political control from the Dutch to the English had significant consequences. The change in governance impacted land ownership and property rights, which could be crucial in your ancestor research. Look for records from this period that document the transition in Brooklyn and surrounding areas.
2. The American Revolution (1775-1783): Many Dutch and English families in Brooklyn played a role in the American Revolution, either as loyalists to the British or patriots fighting for independence. If your ancestors were involved, you may be able to trace them through military records, such as service records or pension files, which provide insight into their experiences during the war.
3. The 1810s-1820s: Brooklyn’s Urbanization: After the revolution, Brooklyn began to grow more rapidly, with many Dutch and English descendants moving into what was once rural farmland. Some may have left behind family records in this period, such as business ledgers or local newspapers that were active during this time.

Research Tips:

• Explore military and veteran records, especially if you suspect your ancestors were involved in the American Revolution or the War of 1812.
• Local Brooklyn newspapers from the 18th and 19th centuries may contain personal announcements, obituaries, or ads related to your ancestors.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Researching colonial-era ancestors in Brooklyn can be challenging but deeply rewarding. By understanding the history of Dutch and English settlers, you can begin to piece together the stories of your own family. Whether your ancestors were farmers, tradesmen, or military participants, there are many records available to help you on your journey.

If you’ve reached a brick wall in your research, I’m here to help. At Brooklyn Ancestry, I specialize in uncovering the hidden histories of colonial-era families. If you’re struggling to find the right records or need help interpreting what you’ve uncovered, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized genealogical research assistance.

Are you researching your Irish family history? Millions of Americans have Irish ancestry, but tracing those roots can be challenging. Whether your ancestors arrived as early settlers, famine refugees, or 20th-century immigrants, understanding their journey can help you uncover your family’s past..

For centuries, Ireland has seen waves of emigration, with generations of Irish men and women leaving their homeland in search of a better life. If you’re looking to build your family tree, knowing when and why your ancestors left Ireland can provide valuable clues for genealogy research.

Early Irish Immigration (1600s–1700s): The Scots-Irish Pioneers

One of the earliest waves of Irish migration to America came in the 1600s and 1700s, but these immigrants were primarily Scots-Irish Protestants, also called Ulster Scots. They came from Northern Ireland, particularly Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, and Armagh, after being displaced during the English Crown’s Plantation of Ulster. Seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity, they left Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas, where they became pioneers and farmers.

If your family tree includes Scots-Irish ancestors, you may find records of them in early land grants, church records, or Revolutionary War service records.

19th Century Irish Immigration: The Catholic Wave (1820–1850)

By the early 19th century, a new group of Irish immigrants arrived—this time, mostly Catholic and from Southern and Western Ireland. If your ancestors came from Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, or Clare, they were likely part of this migration.

Economic hardships, British-imposed trade restrictions, and high rents forced many families to leave Ireland. They settled in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where they found work as laborers, factory workers, and domestic servants.

For those researching Irish genealogy, records from this time include ship passenger lists, naturalization records, and Catholic church records that can provide important details about your Irish ancestors.

The Great Hunger and Mass Irish Emigration (1845–1855)

If you have Irish ancestors who arrived in the U.S. between 1845 and 1855, they may have been part of the mass exodus caused by The Great Famine. When a devastating potato blight wiped out Ireland’s main food source, over 1.5 million people emigrated in search of survival.

These famine immigrants endured dangerous crossings on “coffin ships”, often arriving in New York, Boston, and Chicago in extreme poverty. They lived in tight-knit Irish neighborhoods like Five Points in New York and took on grueling jobs building railroads, working in factories, or serving as domestic help.

If your family’s Irish roots trace back to this period, you may find records in:

Passenger manifests from ships arriving in New York and Boston

Census records from the mid-to-late 1800s

Church baptism and marriage records from Irish-American parishes

Irish Immigrants and the Rise of Irish America (1860–1900s)

During the American Civil War, thousands of Irish immigrants fought for the Union Army, hoping their service would help them gain acceptance in their new homeland.

As the Irish became more established in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, they built Catholic churches, schools, and political networks. Organizations like Tammany Hall helped Irish politicians gain power, and over time, Irish-Americans climbed the social and economic ladder.

If you’re tracing your Irish ancestry, this period is rich with military records, city directories, voting registries, and Catholic parish records, all of which can help piece together your family’s history.

20th-Century Irish Immigration and Beyond

Irish immigration slowed after the 1920s, when strict U.S. immigration laws reduced the number of newcomers. However, by this time, Irish-Americans were fully integrated into society. The election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 was a historic moment, proving that the Irish had gone from being poor immigrants to leaders of the nation.

Today, more than 30 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. If you’re researching your Irish family history, you might uncover records from:

Ellis Island immigration records (1892–1924)

Naturalization and citizenship documents

Census records tracking your Irish ancestors over generations

How to Trace Your Irish Ancestry

If you’re looking to discover your Irish roots, here are some key steps to start your family history research:

1. Gather Family Records: Start with what you know—birth certificates, marriage records, family stories, and old photographs.

2. Check U.S. Immigration Records: Passenger lists, Ellis Island records, and naturalization documents can pinpoint when and where your ancestors arrived.

3. Look at Census Data: U.S. census records from 1850 onward can help track your ancestors’ movements, occupations, and household members.

4. Search Catholic Church Records: Many Irish immigrants recorded births, marriages, and burials in Catholic churches.

5. Explore Irish Records: If you know where in Ireland your ancestors came from, look for Griffith’s Valuation (1847–1864), parish records, and civil registration documents in Irish archives.

6. Use Genealogy Services: Professional genealogy researchers (like me!) can help you break through brick walls, locate missing records, and verify connections in your family tree.

Start Your Irish Family History Journey Today

Whether your ancestors arrived as Scots-Irish settlers, famine refugees, or 20th-century immigrants, their journey shaped the America we know today. If you’re ready to uncover your family history, I can help.

As a professional genealogy researcher, I specialize in tracing Irish ancestry, finding lost family records, and helping people discover their Irish roots. If you’d like assistance building your family tree, identifying your Irish county of origin, or overcoming research roadblocks, let’s work together to bring your family’s story to life.

Contact me today for a genealogy consultation and start tracing your Irish heritage!