The Hudson River, a breathtaking sight from our porch, is more than just a waterway—it's an Ice Age relic, sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. Stretching from Albany to New York City, this tidal estuary isn't technically a river but a fjord, carved by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. Its deep, narrow waters, flanked by steep cliffs and rolling hills, were once a crucial artery for commerce and travel, serving as America's first highway. Today, the Hudson remains a living testament to the power of natural forces, winding past landmarks like West Point and Constitution Island.
Created during the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 to 13,000 years ago, the Hudson River's sheer cliffs, rising more than 1,000 feet from the waters, stand as a testament to the immense power of ancient glaciers. These natural formations create a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop to this part of the Hudson Valley.
The river, mostly wide and deep as it cuts through the Hudson Highlands—a southern extension of the Adirondacks—narrows significantly at the 'S' curve right in front of our house. Here, the river is only 600 yards wide and plunges 150 feet deep, representing the narrowest stretch of the Lower Hudson. This unique geography adds to the river's mystique and the allure of the landscape.
It was here, at this strategic narrow stretch of the Hudson River, that General Washington sited West Point and positioned the Great Chain between West Point and Constitution Island. Due to the difficulty ships faced navigating this bend, especially with an outgoing tide, the chain proved highly effective in blocking British vessels from advancing north during the Revolutionary War.
Batteries were also strategically placed on Constitution Island to fortify the defense. Originally named the Shattemuc, meaning "the river that flows both ways," by the Lenape and Wappinger people, this region was home to Indigenous tribes blessed with abundant fish and game, including muskrat and beaver. The lucrative fur trade, fueled by these pelts, attracted adventurers and later settlers to the area. Over time, the river was known by various names: Manhatees by Henry Hudson, the North River by early European settlers, and finally, the Hudson by the British in 1664.
コメント