The Light on the Hudson

by Dana Ferry

published by Ithaca Press

Henry Hudson The Explorer

Henry Hudson was a determined explorer. During his time, the English and Dutch were vying for a substitute course to the Far East, to curtail the long route around the Cape of Good Hope. They were unaware that a northerly passage to Asia did not exist. The discoveries of Henry Hudson surpassed locating the elusive Northwest Passage.

From cabin boy to sea captain, Hudson spent most of his life at sea. During 1607-1611 when sea travel was tricky, Hudson made four voyages, each with a common goal; to discover the speediest way to Asia. The English and Dutch merchants traded heavily in the Orient.

Following two unsuccessful excursions, Hudson was solicited by the Dutch East India Company in 1609 to pursue a quicker passage to Asia. There was speculation about a southwest passage through North America to the Orient. The Vessel, The Half Moon sailed across the Atlantic, turned into Chesapeake Bay and then New York Harbor. Reaching the mouth of a river, Hudson laid eyes on what he called “River of the Mountains.” The Half Moon cruised up the river 150 miles, as the sailors met native tribes and traded with them, receiving furs, shells and beads in return.

Hudson procured backing from the English in 1610, to resume a search for the Northwest Passage. On his final journey, Hudson commanded a new ship the Discovery.

The Discovery entered Hudson Bay on August 2. For three months the crew surveyed and charted maps of the region. Due to the formation of ice in James Bay, the ship was desired to return to England, opposing Hudson’s wishes to continue the journey. The Discovery set sail for England. Henry Hudson was never found.

Until 1914, upon completion of the Panama Canal, there were no expeditious routes to the Orient. The Northwest Passage was found not to exist. Many explorers sought this passage repeatedly, Hudson among them. But Hudson’s explorations provided tangible discoveries. Sadly, Hudson met an unfair demise because of his true determination.

While Hudson never discovered what he sought to find, you can find more details of his life and successes at www.DanaFerry.com.