The Dutch had a global empire in the 17th century centered around trade and colonies. They established tolerant republican governance that attracted immigrants. As skilled fishermen, whalers, and traders, the Dutch developed very efficient sea routes and became enormously wealthy and successful in commerce, refining sugar for European consumption. Their colony of New Amsterdam, founded in 1625 on Manhattan, grew to be the largest town and finest seaport in their North American colonies, serving as the government headquarters and hub of the fur trade up the Hudson River and farming in the lower valley.