Albany and New York were part of the colony of the Dutch Republic denominated New Netherland, during the 17th century. This colony was founded under Dutch ruling due to the settlements that arose after arrival of the explorer Henry Hudson in the region in 1609, who was sponsored by the Dutch East India Company.
In 1664 the English gained control over the former territory of the New Netherland colony, that was renamed New York. The city that was formerly called New Amsterdam, became New York City and the city of Beverwijck was renamed as Albany.