The Hudson River - the Site and Reason for Great Celebrations this year

Dear Lovers of New York,

This past month began with some fresh air, and some clear “bangs” on the West side because the July 4th festivities were moved from the East River over to the Hudson - back where they belong. (Some East Siders objected.) Although, to be fair, the stated reason was to honor the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s journey up the river that is still sometimes referred to as - North River.

Why “North River”? That’s what the Dutch called it; and by the way not simply because, as some would say, that’s the river you take when you go “north,” just as the East River is the river you would take if you wanted to go East, but (and here’s news for some) because they called what we know now as the Delaware River the South River because it was at the southern edge of their New Netherland claim.

But did you know that this year New York State hosts a whole series of celebrations - of three, not just one, great events?


1.) Okay, the first is Henry Hudson’s arrival and sail up the river;

2.) The second, which happened almost simultaneously, was Samuel Champlain’s discover of his body of water;

3.) The third is the successful sailing of another boat up the river: Robert Fulton’s steamship, in 1809

What are we doing to celebrate? Check these out!

River Day! New York Harbor and Hudson Valley-(June 5-13) (Oops, done!)

Festival of Nations and Crown Point Historic Site Opening-Lake Champlain (September 19)

Governors Island Dutch Festival-New York City (September 13)

Walkway-Over-the-Hudson Grand Opening-Poughkeepsie (October 3)

Maybe we can make it to some of these celebrations - I know I will make the Governors Island Dutch Festival. How about you?
And, note this: the Walkway Over The Hudson is - get this - the longest walkway in the world!