This segment from Dutch New York describes the extensive fur trade which took place in New Netherland between the Native Americans and the Dutch during the 17th century. At the height of the beaver trade in 1657, over 38,000 beaver pelts were shipped to the Netherlands, where they were used to make hats. This video also details the process by which the director of New Netherland colony, Peter Minuet, went about purchasing Manhattan Island from the Indians. It was a unique acquisition as it was a business transaction, not a violent takeover.