Jacob Kettler (28 October 1610 - 1 January 1682, German: Jakob von Kettler), . He was born in , and ruled the Courland from 1641-1682. Jacob Kettler brought his duchy to its greatest peak in wealth. His duchy traded with nations like the Netherlands, Portugal, England and France. In 1651 he sent a fleet to build on the Gambia River on the island that would later be known as St. Andrews in West Africa. In 1654 he conquered Tobago with the Das Wappen der Herzogin von Kurland, a double decker ship armed with 45 cannons and carried 25 officials, 124 Courlander soldiers and 80 families of colonists. The colony on Tobago was named Neu Kurland.

The Duke was taken prisoner by the Swedes from 1658 to 1660, during the Great Northern War. During this time, his colonies were attacked and lost and his fleet destroyed. After the war ended, he rebuilt the duchy's fleet, and regained the island of Tobago from the Dutch. Some believe he also intended to colonize Australia, which had at that time been discovered and claimed by the Dutch whom he was at war with. He supposedly had the blessing of Pope Innocent X unfortunately Pope Innocent X soon died, and the new pope was unwilling to support the plan. The Duke died on 1 January 1682.

Trivia

• Duke Jaocb was the godson of James I of England.

See Also

• Courland
• Courland colonization

External links

• History of Courland during Duke Jacob's rule