FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2022-100 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 3, 2022) – In Issue 2022-100 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps, we celebrate trade in the West Indies, but not the language.

WE COULD BE SPEAKING DUTCH

Today is the 401st anniversary of the charter granted to the Dutch West India Company for exclusive rights to trade and colonization in the West Indies.

This charter was in effect for 2 years and included all of the Americas and West Africa.

During its tenure, the West India Company had settlements and controlled trade in Brazil, Suriname, numerous Caribbean islands and the colony of New Netherlands which included New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware.

By 1674 the Dutch West India Company had sold off or lost its holdings to Portugal, France, and Great Britain, and fell out of existence.

The Dutch East India Company, which operated in Asia, was much more profitable.

Here is Carey’s 1814 map of New Jersey.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.