Mapping out a plan for restoring the correct Winne name across America

For whatever reason, the Winne name has been changed many times over the years, mainly beginning in the mid to late eighteen-hundreds. This is not a good thing. The only organization this type of thing benefits is the state governments that allowed this to happen, and for now, we don’t know exactly why it did.

We are on a mission to restore the Winne name back from some of the common misspellings that exist out there like: Winnie, Winney, Wynne and Winn. Below we will map out the plan for restoring the various markers or signs that exist that need to be restored to the correct name.

Vloman’s Kill in New York changed to Winne Creek
Winne Street restored in New York City
Winnie, Texas changed to Winne, Texas
Restoring correct street names across America that are proven to be tied to the Winne family
Restoring Winne’s Dock or building a monument, along the Hudson River in New York
Restoring Winne land in Mount Tremper, New York, with a monument and potentially a museum

You can follow #WinneRestored here and across social media for more updates.

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Peter Winne and the Mohawk River

On August 18, 1741, Peter Winne was officially granted ownership of a series of small islands in the Mohawk River near Little Falls, a historically strategic location in upstate New York. This land grant marked a continuation of the Winne family’s pattern of settling and investing in riverfront property to support trade, agriculture, and early development in colonial America.

The grant awarded Peter Winne “all the small islands in the river, from the upper end of the Great Falls (now called Little Falls) to the place where Canada Kill falls into said river.” These islands were situated between two major tributaries of the Mohawk River and were valued not only for their fertile land but also for their proximity to trade routes that preceded railroads and highways. This grant came six years after nearby islands on the opposite side of the river were awarded to German settlers through the Petrie and Palatine patents of 1725, reflecting growing colonial interest in the region’s economic potential.

Winne’s acquisition of these islands wasn’t incidental—it was part of a larger legacy. The Winne family had deep roots in New York, with ancestors originally from Flanders (Belgium) who settled in the mid and upper Hudson River Valley during the Dutch colonial era. Prior generations of the Winne family had already established landholdings on islands south of Fort Orange (now Albany), building a reputation as early entrepreneurs who relied on river transport to fuel commerce, agriculture, and milling.

Like the family’s better-known ventures along the Hudson River—including Barent Winne’s bustling dock near Cedar Hill—Peter Winne’s Mohawk River holdings underscore how the Winnes continually recognized the value of riverfront land for both transportation and trade. During the colonial period, rivers were the economic lifelines of the region, and securing ownership of key locations along them offered both strategic advantage and economic promise.

This grant further confirms the Winne family’s long-standing role in shaping the infrastructure of early New York. It also reflects broader trends in colonial land distribution, where rivers weren’t just barriers—they were arteries of prosperity, and the Winne family knew how to harness their potential.

Today, while the islands themselves may not be commonly known, their story remains a significant piece of New York’s early colonial puzzle—and Peter Winne’s 1741 grant stands as a lasting symbol of foresight, ambition, and the riverbound spirit that defined a generation of settlers.

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Barent Winne and Winne's Dock along the Hudson River

The Winne family has long been woven into the agricultural and commercial fabric of the Hudson Valley. Since their arrival from the Netherlands in 1652, the Winnes established themselves as innovative farmers and traders, utilizing the fertile lands along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers to launch one of the earliest family-run agrarian enterprises in the region. Their story is deeply tied to the waterways that defined early American commerce and settlement.

As early as the 17th century, Pieter Winne—who settled near the Vlomankill in 1677—recognized the potential of the river valleys not just for farming, but for powering industry and connecting goods to distant markets. By the 1800s, Barent Winne Sr. carried this legacy forward, transforming the family’s agricultural strength into a thriving commercial operation. Situated at Cedar Hill, Winne’s Dock became a hub for regional trade, where Bethlehem farmers brought cash crops such as oats, hay, and apples. These goods were loaded onto barges bound for Albany and New York City, long before the convenience of railroads.

The dock wasn’t just a shipping point—it was the center of a bustling riverside economy. Barent Winne built large warehouses and a general store near his elegant brick home, where everything from coal and lumber to furniture and farm supplies passed through. Winne’s Dock even earned the nickname “Hudson River Landing,” serving not just as a freight depot but also a marketplace for farmers to purchase tools, food, and essentials. The creek nearby, the Vlomankill, helped power mills and facilitated even more industrial activity in the area.

As the community around Bethlehem grew, so did the importance of Winne’s Dock. Farmers and townspeople alike depended on it as their primary artery to the wider world, a critical link in the chain that connected remote farmland to urban markets. Even after the rise of railroads and the decline of river commerce, the legacy of Winne’s Dock lived on. Remnants of the wharf, iron fittings, and cement foundations are still visible near today’s Henry Hudson Park, echoing the past presence of commerce and innovation along the shoreline.

Barent Winne Jr., although childless, remained a steady presence at the homestead well into the late 19th century, known for watching the boats glide down the river from his front porch. His life—rooted in land, water, and community—symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Hudson Valley’s early farming families.

The Winne family’s expansion didn’t stop at Cedar Hill. Eventually, their agricultural endeavors spread into the Catskills, where they established farms along the Esopus River, continuing their tradition of cultivating rich lands and distributing goods using New York’s vast natural waterways. Their story is not just one of farming—it’s a narrative of foresight, resilience, and the foundational role of family-run operations in shaping regional commerce in early America.

Today, while only fragments of Winne’s Dock remain, the influence of the Winne family continues to ripple across the Hudson Valley, carried forward by those who still work the land and honor the legacy of those who first saw the river not as a barrier—but as a lifeline.

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The Winne Family and Their Hudson River Legacy in the 1600s and 1700s

The Winne family, early settlers in the Hudson Valley, carved out a remarkable legacy as farmers who harnessed the power of the Hudson River to transport their goods to New York City during the 17th and 18th centuries. Rooted in Bethlehem, New York, near Albany, their story is one of agricultural success and strategic use of one of America’s most vital waterways.

Origins of the Winne Family

The Winne family’s journey began with Pieter Winne, who hailed from Ghent, Flanders, and arrived in New Netherland by the late 17th century. By July 6, 1684, he had settled in Bethlehem, establishing a foothold in what would become a thriving farming community. Pieter’s joint will from 1677 reveals the family’s wealth in real estate, including farm property, sawmills, and timber lands, showcasing their prominence in the region. Descendants like Peter Peterse Winne, born around 1665, and Benjamin Winne, born in 1705, continued this tradition, cultivating the fertile lands of Bethlehem.

The Hudson River: A Lifeline for Trade

The Hudson River was the backbone of commerce in the 1600s and 1700s, serving as a bustling highway for goods moving between the interior of New York and the bustling port of New York City. Known as a “great natural highway,” the river carried everything from furs to farm produce on sloops—versatile vessels that defined trade in the Dutch and early American periods. Albany, just north of Bethlehem, was a key hub where local farmers gathered their harvests for shipment downriver. The Winne family, with their extensive farmland, undoubtedly tapped into this vibrant trade network, sending their produce to feed the growing markets of New York City.

Winne’s Dock: A Family Hub

A notable feature of the Winne family’s operations was Winne’s Dock, a likely docking point along the Hudson River. While its exact location is tied to local lore, the existence of Barent Winne Road in Selkirk, part of Bethlehem, hints at the family’s enduring presence near the river. This dock would have been a busy spot, where the Winnes loaded their crops—wheat, corn, and other staples—onto sloops bound for southern markets. The river’s tidal nature made it an ideal route, and the family’s proximity ensured they could efficiently connect their harvests to the wider world.

Barent Winne and the Family Legacy

Among the Winne family members, Barent Winne stands out in later records. Born on November 15, 1832, he was a farmer in Bethlehem, continuing the agricultural tradition established by his ancestors. While his life falls outside the 1600s and 1700s, his name reflects the family’s deep roots in the area, possibly linked to earlier figures who worked the land and river. The mention of Barent Winne Road further ties the family to the landscape they helped shape.

A Thriving Contribution

The Winne family’s story is a testament to the ingenuity of Hudson Valley settlers. Their farms fueled the region’s economy, and the Hudson River carried their goods to New York City, linking rural life to urban growth. From Pieter Winne’s arrival to the operations at Winne’s Dock, their efforts highlight the critical role of river transport in early American history. Today, their legacy lives on in the place names and historical records of Bethlehem, a reminder of a family that prospered by working the land and mastering the river.

For more on the Winne family’s roots, check out the Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs or explore the Hudson River’s history at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Their tale is a fascinating chapter in the Hudson Valley’s rich past!

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The Dutch Creation of New Netherland and Pieter Winne's Role

The Dutch Creation of New Netherland and Pieter Winne’s Role

Introduction

New Netherland, a Dutch colony from 1624 to 1664, was established in what is now the northeastern United States, primarily for the fur trade. This survey note explores the historical context of its creation and the role of Pieter Winne, an early settler, in its development. Drawing from historical records and genealogical sources, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of both the colony’s establishment and Winne’s contributions.

Historical Context: The Creation of New Netherland

The foundation of New Netherland can be traced to Henry Hudson’s 1609 voyage, commissioned by the Dutch East India Company, which explored the Hudson River and claimed the area for the Dutch (New Netherland). In 1621, the Dutch West India Company (WIC) was granted a trade monopoly, leading to the first permanent settlement in 1624 on Noten Island (now Governor’s Island) in New York Harbor (The Original Families of New Netherland). The following year, Fort Amsterdam was built on Manhattan Island, marking the beginning of New Amsterdam, which would become New York City.

The colony’s growth was slow, with early settlers including Walloons, French, Germans, and Scandinavians, reflecting its multicultural nature (New Netherland settlements). The WIC governed through a director-general and council, with Peter Stuyvesant, appointed in 1647, overseeing significant expansion until 1664, when the English seized the colony during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, renaming it New York (The surrender of New Netherland, 1664).

The economy was driven by the fur trade, particularly beaver pelts, with trading posts like Fort Orange (Albany) central to interactions with Native Americans (Fur Trade). Agriculture also developed, with settlers farming along the Hudson River, contributing to the colony’s sustainability.

Pieter Winne: Life and Arrival

Pieter Winne, born in 1609 in Ghent, Belgium, was a Flemish immigrant who played a role in New Netherland’s development (Pieter Winne). Historical records indicate he lived in Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean colony, in the 1640s before arriving in New Netherland around 1652, settling near Fort Orange (Peter Winne I). His arrival date is supported by genealogical sources, noting his settlement in the area that became Albany and Bethlehem, New York (Pieter Pieterson Winne, I).

Economic and Social Contributions

Winne’s economic activities were diverse, including farming, operating a sawmill, and engaging in the fur trade, which was vital to the colony’s economy (From Hudson Valley to Teton Valley). He became a prominent fur trader in Beverwyck (Albany), trading beaver pelts and other goods, which supported the colony’s trade networks with Europe (Peter Winne I). His sawmill operation likely contributed to local construction, aiding infrastructure development.

Socially, Winne married twice, first to Aechie Jans Van Schaick and later to Tannetje Adams in 1658, with whom he had twelve children, significantly contributing to the colony’s population growth (Pieter Winne (bef.1609-bef.1693)). His family became part of the fabric of early Albany, with descendants leaving a lasting legacy, as seen in historical sites like Daniel Pieter Winne’s home, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s New York Dutch Room exhibit (The New York Dutch Room).

Role in the Colony’s Development

Winne’s role was typical of many early settlers, contributing to the economic and social fabric of New Netherland. As a tenant in Rensselaerswyck, he was part of the manorial system, renting land from the Van Rensselaer family, which was common for settlers (A New York Dutch Interior for the American Wing). His activities helped sustain the colony, particularly through the fur trade, which was central to its economic viability.

His will, dated 1677 and updated in 1684, reflects his status as a landowner with real and personal estate, indicating his integration into the colony’s economic structure (Pieter Winne (bef.1609-bef.1693)). This integration is further evidenced by his role as a night watchman in Beverwyck, suggesting community involvement (Pieter Pieterson Winne, I).

Legacy and Impact

Winne’s contributions helped lay the groundwork for the development of Albany and Bethlehem, areas that became significant in New York’s history. His descendants continued to influence the region, with architectural and cultural contributions preserved in historical sites (From Hudson Valley to Teton Valley). His story exemplifies the experiences of many settlers who, through trade and family life, shaped the early American landscape.

Conclusion

The Dutch creation of New Netherland was driven by economic interests, particularly the fur trade, with settlers like Pieter Winne playing crucial roles in its growth. Winne’s arrival in 1652, his economic activities, and his family life highlight his integration into the colony, contributing to its development and leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

Table: Key Dates and Events

Year	Event
1609	Henry Hudson explores the Hudson River, claiming the area for the Dutch.
1621	Dutch West India Company granted trade monopoly, leading to settlement plans.
1624	First permanent settlers arrive, establishing Noten Island settlement.
1625	Fort Amsterdam built on Manhattan, founding New Amsterdam.
1647	Peter Stuyvesant becomes director-general, overseeing colony growth.
1652	Pieter Winne arrives in New Netherland, settling near Fort Orange.
1664	English seize New Amsterdam, renaming it New York, ending Dutch control.