Peter Stuyvesant the Last Dutch Governor of New Amsterdam

Peter Stuyvesant (1612 - 1672) served as the last Dutch Director General of the colony of New Netherlands. He played a major role in the development of New York City. The Bedford Stuvesant section of Brooklyn is named for him Stuyvesant's administration constructed the protective wall on Wall Street, the canal that became Broad Street, and Broadway. Stuyvesant is credited with bringing tea to the colony, and most importantly stressing the need for education and setting up free elementary education within New Amsterdam.