THE PRIDE OF OUR HERITAGE:PIETRO CESARE ALBERTI

Image courtesy of Historical Marker Database (HMdb.org)​ and Geni.com, unknown

Have you ever wondered who the first Italian to arrive in what would become the United States was? That honor belongs to Pietro Cesare Alberti, a pioneer among the many Italian Americans who have profoundly influenced American culture.

In Battery Park, New York City, a simple stone marks his arrival, proudly noting June 2 as "Alberti Day," situated near a bronze statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano. Over the years, the Alberti name has evolved into various forms, including Albertis, Alburtus, Alburtis, and Burtis. Today, anyone in the United States bearing the surname Burtis or Alburtis can trace their lineage back to Pietro Cesare Alberti, whose legacy lives on through his many descendants, helping to shape our nation’s rich and diverse story.

Image courtesy of the Historical Marker Database (By Bill Coughlin, HMdb.org)​

Pietro Cesare Alberti was born in 1608 on the picturesque island of Malamocco, a quaint fishing village on the Lido of Venice. He is recognized as the first Italian to settle in America, specifically in Manhattan, New York. His family background is steeped in notable history: Pietro was the son of Andrea Alberti, who served as secretary of the Ducal Treasury, and Lady Veronica Cremona. His lineage connected him to the prominent Florentine Alberti family, which maintained close ties with the influential Medici dynasty. Among his illustrious relatives was the celebrated genius and statesman Leon Battista Alberti.

Pietro's remarkable journey to America was shaped by the chaotic times of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), a brutal conflict that engulfed Central Europe and claimed approximately eight million lives through combat, starvation, and disease. A particularly devastating event struck when Dutch troops brought a deadly plague to Malamocco, leading to the death of 46,000 out of 140,000 residents. The economic fallout crippled Venice, prompting a determined 27-year-old Pietro to seek a new beginning in the New World.

On July 10, 1634, Pietro embarked on his adventure as a merchant seaman aboard the Dutch vessel De Coninck David (King David) from Texel. His journey was far from direct. It took him down the west coast of Africa, across the Atlantic to Brazil and Guiana, and then to the West Indies and Virginia.

After numerous hardships, Pietro arrived in New Amsterdam (present-day Manhattan) on June 2, 1635. A dispute over unpaid wages led to an altercation with the ship's captain, who had earlier threatened to abandon him in Guiana. Nevertheless, Pietro persevered, successfully asserting his rights and reclaiming part of his wages through legal action.

Settling into the vibrant and diverse community of New Amsterdam, Pietro adapted quickly, adopting the name Peter. By 1639, just four years after his arrival, he approached a well-known tobacco landowner, Pieter Montfoort, to discuss acquiring land. In a remarkable achievement, he secured a deed for an expansive 100-acre parcel from the Director General and Council of New Amsterdam.

In 1642, Peter’s life changed once again when he married Judith Manje (or Magnee), and together they had seven children between 1642 and 1655. Sadly, one child died in infancy.

The Alberti family initially lived on Broad Street, in what is now New York’s Financial District. In 1646, they moved to their plantation in present-day Fort Greene, Brooklyn, where they worked diligently on their land. Tragically, their story was cut short during an Indian raid on November 9, 1655, resulting in the deaths of both Pietro and Judith. Pietro’s experience vividly illustrates the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of those who sought to build a new life in unfamiliar territory.

After the devastating loss of their parents, the six surviving Alberti children were taken in by Dutch authorities, who appointed a guardian and arranged an advantageous lease for their Long Island estate. Historical records reveal that all the children eventually found love and married. In a significant turn of events, two sons, Jan and Willem, chose to sell the family business in 1695.

Pietro Cesare Alberti stands as the first Italian American pioneer, paving the way for the countless others who would enrich American culture and history. His arrival marks the beginning of a remarkable journey, one that highlights the invaluable contributions of Italian Americans to the American landscape over the centuries.



Families of Italian descent have revitalized neighborhoods, introduced beloved culinary traditions, and fostered vibrant communities that endure to this day. Honoring Alberti’s legacy allows us to celebrate a broader story—one of courage, perseverance, and innovation—that Italian immigrants have woven into the very fabric of American life. Our proud heritage serves as an inspiration, urging us to honor our roots while aspiring toward a hopeful future for generations to come.