Patroon system, << puh TROON, >> was a plan set up by the Dutch West India Company in 1629. It was used to colonize New Netherland, in what are now the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut. Any member of the company who paid to bring over 50 settlers within four years could have a large tract of land. The settlers had to be at least 15 years old. The patroon (owner of the land) became a kind of feudal lord who controlled all aspects of the settlers’ lives, including their right to move, go into business, or even marry.
Five patroonships were granted. But only Rensselaerswyck, the Van Rensselaer manor, lasted into the 1700’s. The system failed because few people were willing to give up their personal freedom permanently. Other land policies of the company contributed to the failure of the patroon system. For example, the company offered free land in New Netherland to settlers who paid their own passage to America. Later, the company even paid the passage to attract settlers.
