The explorer Henry Hudson, commanding the "Half-Moon," puts in at Coney Island before continuing into what is now called New York Harbor. According to tradition, his right-hand man, John Coleman ...

A tidal estuary, the Hudson River is a mix of salt water and fresh water runoff.

When Henry Hudson first sailed his ship the Half Moon into New York Harbor and up the river that now bears his name, he noted the abundance of beavers and friendly natives to his Dutch employers.