BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Not much has been written about the Palatines of New York State, which were the first German group-immigration to America — so I know now. The following book is easy reading and interesting:
"Becoming German: The 1709 Palatine Migration to New York"
by Philip Otterness
Cornell University Press
2004
The Palatines settled in New York City first, then Hudson River Valley, then Mohawk River Valley, and from those places, spanned out to points south, including eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Palatines had an astounding and hair-raising journey roughly from 1700-1750 AD. All I can say is — "I never knew."