The Hudson River

Introduction

Originating in the Adirondack Mountains, the Hudson River for 315 miles through New York to New Jersey. The river forms a 21 mile border between the two states. Named after explorer Henry Hudson, the river would become a major trade route that would play a significant role in interstate and intrastate commerce.

Economic Significance

In 1797 the river underwent navigational improvements that would help open the way to the river becoming a significant trade route. In the 19th century, the openings of the Erie Canal, the Delaware and Hudson Canal, and the Champlain Canal, would link the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and lower St. Lawrence river valleys, giving way to its declaration as a federal government waterway in 1892.

Prior to its rise as an industrial center,