The Esopus Wars are two localized conflicts between Dutch settlers and the Esopus tribe of Lenape Indians during the latter half of the 17th century in what is now Ulster County, New York.
Like many other wars during the colonial period, at bottom they were the result of competition between European and Indian cultures, aggravated by mutual misunderstanding and suspicion.The first Esopus War is a short-lived conflict between Dutch farmers and the Esopus, largely started by fear and misunderstanding on the part of the settlers.
The second war is a continuation of grudge on the part of the Esopus tribe.
