In 1626 officials of the Dutch West India Company founded New Amsterdam. The original leader and person in charge of what was called New Amsterdam was James the Duke of York. The name of the colony was changed to New York in honor of the Duke. New Amsterdam was founded by the Dutch in 1664 and was not long lived. King Charles II did not like the Dutch trading with the English colonies. So he sent warships to fight them. However, the Dutch gave up without a fight and the name was changed to New York in honor of the Duke of York. The Dutch were very used tot their type of government so when the English took over with their government it was very alien to them.