Hudson River

Hudson River, U.S. river rising in the Adirondacks, flowing generally south for 315 mi (507 km) through New York, and emptying into the Atlantic at New York City. It was discovered in 1524, but only explored fully by Henry Hudson in 1609. It is an important commercial waterway, being navigable by ocean ships as far upstream as Albany. A canal system links it to the Great Lakes. A major program was begun in 1975 to prevent further pollution and make the river safe for fishing and swimming.

See also: Hudson, Henry.