In the summer of 2009 Fourth of July spectators marveled at the wonders of pyrotechnics from viewing galleries and apartment buildings up and down the Hudson River.
Normally held on the East River, city leaders moved the spectacular display to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage up the North River now bearing his name.
Hudson’s “discovery” led to the creation of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam and, sadly, the end of a way of life for Manhattan’s former Native caretakers, the Munsee.
Shortly after his September 11th, 1609 arrival in New York Harbor, Hudson stopped beside the Spuyten Duyvil, today home to Inwood Hill Park, for a friendly encounter with the Natives he would soon so greatly offend.
Three hundred years later, in 1909, New Yorkers gathered again in Inwood Hill and other points along the Hudson for a birthday party the likes of which New York had never seen. Turn of the century Manhattan was completely enthralled with its Dutch roots.
Celebrations were organized up and down the Hudson River complete with a replica of Hudson’s small, but sturdy Half Moon accompanied by a flotilla of warships.
Penny postcards, then all the rage, captured the excitement in living color.
{ 0 comments… add one now }