This is a statue of Peter Stuyvesant resides in Stuyvesant park as a tribute to his dedication and leadership in the Dutch New Amsterdam city. Commons: Wikipedia Takes Manhattan project on April 4, 2008.

One of the most iconic figures from the beginning of New York City’s history, Peter Stuyvesant was a Dutchman whose ambition for power drove him into joining the Dutch West India Company. Upon joining the company in 1632, he looked to tackle expeditions and lead settlements. By July 1646, Stuyvesant was appointed to the general of Dutch territories in North America, arriving in New Amsterdam in 1647. He looked to take immediate action as far as developing leadership boards, as well as a system of laws. Furthermore, he set up a navy and military, better housing and infrastructure(roads), set up essential services like hospitals and sanitation, as well as developed a local police force. Another notably act he accomplished was creating peace between the settlement and local Native American tribes that lived nearby. Stuyvesant spearheaded the project for Wall Street, the protective wall that would later become crucial in the defense of New Amsterdam.