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Autumn In Dutchess County
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“All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River.” FDR
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By Renée S. Gordon History & Travel Writer men were set adrift aboard a boat. Their fate remains unknown. #Iloveny
On September 2, 1609 the Halve Maen (Half Moon), captained by Henry Hudson, moored in New York Harbor and for 35days he and his 16-man crew explored the region. He was seeking a northern passageway to Asia for the Dutch East India Company. During his New York explorations he claimed the area for the Dutch and sailed up the 315-mile Hudson River (Muhhekunnetuk) noting its fertility, beauty and natural resources. Hudson’s overall journey was considered a failure resulting in a mutinous crew and in 1611 he, his son and seven crew-
Hudson’s explorations did lead to the founding of a series of settlements from what is now Lower Manhattan, native Manna Hatta, to sites in the Hudson Valley along the river. New Netherland was basically a free-trading colony and was initially established to trade with the indigenous people. It had a tacit policy of tolerance and was open to any immigrant hoping to become upwardly mobile. The population quickly became multi-ethnic and by 1643 eighteen languages were spoken in the colony. The character of early New York was shaped by the huge influence of Dutch colonists, culture and heritage and is still visible throughout the region in names, signature architectural styles, art and early history. The Wickquasgeck Trail was a northsouth native trade route prior to European contact. The Dutch called it Gentleman’s Way (Heeren Wegh) and used it to travel the entire 14-mile length of Manhattan and beyond to Albany. The 150-mile street is the longest in the country. When the British took over they renamed it Broadway. This route is perfect for traveling through Hudson Valley, viewing breathtaking displays of fall foliage, visiting historic sites, dining at eclectic and storied locations and trekking 16-miles of October, 2023 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -115-
