A Dutch American is an American of Dutch descent.
Following the exploration of the American East Coast by Henry Hudson on behalf of the Dutch East India Company in 1609, Dutch settlement in the Americas started in 1613. From then on a number of villages, including New Amsterdam on the East Coast, which would become the future world metropolis of New York City, were established by Dutch immigrants. According to the 2000 United States Census, more than 5 million Americans claim total or partial Dutch heritage. Today the majority of the Dutch Americans live in Michigan, California, Montana, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Read more about Dutch American: Dutch (American) Influence On America, Dutch Traditions, Dutch Language and Dutch Names in North America, Dutch-American Heritage Day, Dutch-American Friendship Day, Dutch Heritage Festivals, Religion, Numbers, Notable Dutch Americans
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