Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Arendt Van Curler

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 6, 2008

1. Arendt Van Curler Marker

Inscription. To honor the memory
of
Arendt Van Curler

Acknowledged leader of the
fifteen original settlers of Schenectady.

Born at Nijkerk, Holland, 1620;
Came to New Amsterdam, 1638;
To Schenectady, 1662;
Resided here until death.

Home lot, southeast quarter of this block.
Cousin of Patroon Kilian Van Rensselaer;
Often consulted by Governor Nicolls;
Highly respected by the Governors of Canada,
and rescued many Christians from hands of Mohawks

He was an adventurous, enterprising leader
among the pioneers of the Western World,
who with wisdom, justice and humanity
administered the affairs of an important colony,
and as Embassador to the Indians
cemented relations of friendship,
and shaped the wilderness of New Netherland
for uses of advancing civilization.

Drowned in Lake Champlain, July 1667,
while on his way to visit Detracy, Viceroy of Canada,
upon his invitation.

Erected September 29, 1909, By
The Historical and Netherlands Societies
during
Hudson - Fulton Celebration.

Erected 1909 by The Historical and Netherlands Societies.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era

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• Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1620.

Location. 42° 48.997′ N, 73° 56.861′ W. Marker is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. Marker is at the intersection of Union Street and North Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Union Street. Marker is mounted just above sidewalk level at the corner of the Stockade Inn building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Schenectady NY 12305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Site of Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Yates House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oldest House (about 300 feet away); Ride of Symon Schermerhoorn (about 400 feet away); Commemorating Massacre (about 400 feet away); Cur Non? (about 400 feet away); Toll House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schenectady.

Regarding Arendt Van Curler. a.k.a. Arendt Van Corlær
Arendt van Curler, a first cousin of the Patroon Kilian Van Rensselaer, at the age of twenty years, was commissioned on May 12, 1639 as a secretary and bookkeeper of Rensselaerswyck. He was in charge of the Patroon's farm at the Flatts (now Schuyler

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 25, 2008

2. Arendt Van Curler Marker

Flatts). The lease of May 1, 1648 shows the terms and legal restrictions to which Arendt Van Curler was bound on his farm on the Flatts. While traditional historians believe that the lease terms are an indication that the farming was a form of servitude for life, the fact is that often times the Patroon never collected rents from his farmers, and the lease terms were not strictly adhered to. Arendt van Curler was interested in participating in the fur trade himself, and consequently he requested permission from New York Director-General Peter Stuyvesant to purchase land from the Mohawk Indians. In 1661 van Curler moved with several families to this tract of land and founded Schenectady beyond the limit of Van Rensselaer's Manor. In July 1667, van Curler accepted an invitation to visit the French governor in Quebec. He set forth, with several Indians, by way of Lake Champlain. Their small boat was overturned in a sudden storm and he was drowned in Perou Bay. Arent van Curler was a born pioneer, fearless and progressive, honest in public affairs, and something of a diplomat as well. No likeness of him is known to exist.

Arendt Van Curler Marker at the Stockade Inn, Schenectady image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 11, 2008

3. Arendt Van Curler Marker at the Stockade Inn, Schenectady

The Van Curler marker is in Schenectady's Historic Stockade District at the corner of the Stockade Inn, to the left of the mailbox in the above photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,522 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.