Dutch Americans

Immigration Patterns

Although Dutch immigration has been continuous since early 17th-century exploration, there are three distinct phases of migration to the United States—during the commercial expansion of the 17th century, between the 19th and 20th centuries, and following World War II.

Colonization of New Netherland (present day New York) began because of fur trading ventures chartered by the Dutch West India Company. The colony attracted a small number of Dutch; however, most did not make the colony their permanent home, and many eventually returned home. When England seized control of the colony, this halted most, if not all, immigration from the Netherlands until the mid-19th century.

The second wave, referred to as the free immigration period, brought 250,000 Dutch peasants, artisans, and their families to the United States. Many Dutch decided to migrate because of economic opportunities. However, other factors, such as a huge population growth, crop failures, and a pietistic revolt against the Dutch Reformed Church in their homeland, encouraged large numbers of Dutch people to migrate. This “group phase migration” of families, neighborhoods, and religious groups brought more than 20,000 immigrants to the United States between 1845 and 1855.

Peak years of immigration took place between 1880 and 1893, 1903 and 1914, and 1920 and 1928. The third wave, following World War II, brought about 80,000 Dutch to the United States.

Contemporary Community

In recent years, people from The Netherlands (including the Netherlands Antilles) have sought permanent residency and completed the naturalization process to become citizens. From 1997 through 2006, about 1,375 Dutch immigrated to the United States annually. About 700 Dutch Americans have become naturalized citizens annually beginning with 1997.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, there were 2,846,575 people of Dutch national origin in the United States. In geographic distribution, the top five states were Michigan, California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. U.S. Census data figures gave median family income of Dutch Americans $64,202 compared with $50,890 for the nation as a whole.

Among famous Dutch Americans are Lenny Dykstra, former professional baseball player; Betty Grable, actress, singer, and dancer; Thomas Edison, inventor and businessman; Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick; Franklin D. and Theodore Roosevelt, former U.S. presidents; Bruce Springsteen, singer and songwriter; Martin van Buren, former U.S. president; and Walt Whitman, poet.