Peter Minuit was a Dutch colonial governor known for his role in the early history of New York. He is most famous for purchasing the island of Manhattan from the local Lenape people in 1626. The transaction is often cited as a significant event in the establishment of European settlements in North America. Minuit served as the director of the New Netherland colony, which was established by the Dutch West India Company. His leadership helped to promote trade and settlement in the region, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the city of New York.