Onrust
The Onrust (Dutch for "Restless") was a Dutch ship that was built by Adriaen Block and the crew of the Tyger, which had been destroyed by fire. The ship, a yacht, was the first decked vessel to be built entirely in America. The construction took one winter (January to April, 1614) on Manhattan Island. Help from the Lenape is surmised, given the short construction time, but is not documented. The ship was 42-feet long and capable of carrying 16-tons.
In 1614, Block sailed through the whirlpools on the East River, and into Long Island Sound. Here he discovered Block Island.
Block was also the first European to venture up the Connecticut River. He managed to get as far as the Enfield rapids, about 60 miles up the river.
Besides finding several inland water routes, creating trading networks and mapping native villages, the two first accurate maps of the east coast were drawn based on the voyages of the Onrust. As a result, It was the first research vessel in America.
Later in the year Block sighted another Dutch vessel, and sailed back to the Netherlands on 1 October 1614. The Onrust was last reported in 1616 as bound to explore the "New River", now known as Delaware River.
From 2006 to 2009 New Netherland Routes, Inc., a non-profit organization, built a replica of the Onrust at the Schenectady County Historical Society's Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, NY. Construction used authentic 17th century Dutch ship building techniques rediscovered by the organization's master shipwright.[1] Material is mostly white oak. Decking is pine. The replica is held together by more than 4,000 hand made pegs of black locust. Metal fittings, as well as canon, use authentic brass.
Notes
External links
- Old Salt Blog Launching of the Onrust, May 27 2009 video
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