Van Curler Memorial, Schenectady
About Van Curler Memorial
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 Christian from the hands of Mohawks.
He was an adventurous, enterprising leader among the pioneers or the Western world, who with wisdom, justice and humanity administered the affairs of an important colony, and as ambassador to the Indians cemented relations of friendship, and shaped the wilderness of New Netherlands for uses of advancing civilization.
Drowned in Lake Champlain July 1667, while on his way to visit de Tracy, Viceroy of Canada upon his invitation.
Erected September 29, 1909, by the Historical and Netherlands Societies during Hudson-Fulton Celebration.
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