The Arrival of the Dutch in Curaçao

In 1634, the Dutch arrived in Curaçao with warships belonging to the Dutch West India Company (WIC). The expedition was led by Johan van Walbeeck and Pierre Le Grand. In late July, the Dutch attacked the island, and the Spanish surrendered. The surrender was formally recorded on 21 August 1634.

The Dutch wanted to use Curaçao as a naval base and trading post because of its natural harbours and strategic location near Venezuela. In 1635, construction began on Fort Amsterdam in Punda.

The conquest brought major changes for the Indigenous population. Approximately 400 Indigenous people and 32 Spaniards were permitted to leave the island and travel to Coro, Venezuela. Over time, Curaçao became an important center of trade, but also a center of the slave trade.

The year 1634 opened a new chapter in Curaçao’s history, with consequences that are still felt today.