Beeren Island

[4] The island was claimed by the Patroon Kiliaen van Rensselaer as the southern border of his patroonship of Rensselaerswijck, it was from the start of the New Netherland colony chosen as a fine site for fortifications to protect the patroon's lands.

In 1643 a fort named Rensselaersstein was built and garrisoned, and included mounted cannon; Nicolaes Coorn was appointed watchmaster.

Every ship passing the island had to lower its flag in deference to the patroon and pay five stivers.

[2] A dispute arose between Coorn and the captain of the ship Good Hope when Coorn demanded that Captain Govert Loockermans lower his flag, and Loockermans replied that "I lower my colors for no one except the Prince of Orange and the Lords my masters."

[5][6] The West India Company however refused to acknowledge the patroon's exclusive right over the river, this led to tension between the two until the English conquered the entire New Netherland colony in 1664.