The colony of New Netherland, which was a part of early American history, possessed numerous important characteristics:
1. Dutch Origin: New Netherland was not founded by the British, which was often the case for many other early American colonies. Instead, this particular colony was founded by the Dutch West India Company. This institution established the colony in the 17th century.
2. Geographical Location: Geography also played a significant role in defining New Netherland. It was situated in the northeastern portion of the now United States. The areas that the colony covered include places that are known today as New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut.
3. Societal Diversity: Unlike other colonies of the time, New Netherland was remarkably diverse. It became home for many Europeans from different countries, not just the Dutch. This multicultural nature set the colony apart from others in the region.
4. Economic Priorities: The economic framework of New Netherland was characterised by its focus on trade. Specifically, the colony was primarily interested in the fur trade, which was a thriving and lucrative industry during that epoch.
5. Conflictual Interaction and Transformation: Throughout its existence, New Netherland had an array of conflicts, most notably with the neighbouring British colonies. These hostilities ultimately led to a significant change for New Netherland when it was seized by the British. Following this acquisition, the territory was renamed New York.
This is a general summary of the key features of the colony of New Netherland, but please note that these characteristics can vary dependant on the specific time period and context being examined.