In 1626, Manhattan Island was purchased by Dutch colonist Peter Minuit from the Native Americans for the equivalent of 24 dollars worth of trade goods. This transaction is famously known as the "Manhattan Purchase" or the "Great Land Swindle."

The purchase of Manhattan Island marked the beginning of European colonization in the area that would eventually become New York City. The Dutch established the settlement of New Amsterdam on the southern tip of the island, which would later be taken over by the British and renamed New York.

Many historians believe that the Native Americans who sold Manhattan Island to Peter Minuit were actually from the Lenape tribe. The Lenape were one of the original inhabitants of the area and had been living there for centuries before the arrival of European settlers.

The purchase of Manhattan Island for such a small sum has been a subject of much debate and controversy over the years. Some argue that the Native Americans did not fully understand the concept of land ownership and were taken advantage of by the Dutch colonists. Others believe that the transaction was fair and that both parties received something of value in exchange.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the sale, the purchase of Manhattan Island was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. Today, Manhattan is one of the most densely populated and valuable pieces of real estate in the world, with a thriving economy and vibrant cultural scene.

If you would like to learn more about the history of Manhattan Island and the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the area, you can visit the following websites for more information:

• History.com - Peter Minuit
• National Park Service - The Lenape Indians

Overall, the purchase of Manhattan Island for the equivalent of 24 dollars remains a fascinating and controversial chapter in American history.

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