Van Rensselaer family

Van Rensselaer
Bookplate of Killian K. Van Rensselaer, showing the arms of the family
CountryUnited States
EtymologyDerived from De Renselaar, a farmstead in Gelderland[1]
Place of originNetherlands
Connected familiesBayard family
Livingston family
Schuyler family
Van Cortlandt family
Estate(s)Fort Crailo
Manor of Rensselaerswyck
Jacob Van Rensselaer House

The Van Rensselaer family (/ˈrɛnslər, -slɪər/) is a family of Dutch descent that was prominent during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in the area now known as the state of New York. Members of this family played a critical role in the formation of the United States and served as leaders in business, politics and society.

  1. ^ De Vries, W. (1949). "De Van Rensselaer's in Nederland". De Nederlandsche Leeuw. 66. The Hague: Koninklijk Nederlandsch Genootschap voor Geslacht- en Wapenkunde: 153. De naam Van Rensselaer is ongetwijfeld een herkomstnaam, ontleend aan de thans nog bestaande kapitale hofstede 'de Renselaar' in de buurschap Hell onder Putten.
  2. ^ Spooner 1907, p.17