Henry Hudson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Hudson
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One of many speculative portraits
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| Born | c. 1565 |
| Disappeared | 23 June 1611 (aged 45–46) James Bay, North America |
| Other names | Hendrick Hudson |
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| Years active | 1607–1611 (as explorer) |
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| Children | John Hudson (c. 1591–1611) |
Henry Hudson was an English explorer and navigator. He lived in the early 1600s. He is famous for exploring parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
In 1607 and 1608, English merchants hired Hudson. They wanted him to find a new sea route to Asia. This route, called the Northeast Passage, was rumored to go over the top of the world, through the Arctic.
In 1609, a Dutch company sent him to North America. He explored the area where New York City is today. On his ship, the Halve Maen (meaning "Half Moon"), he searched for a Northwest Passage to Asia. He sailed up a big river, which is now called the Hudson River, after him. His trips helped start Dutch settlements in that area. They also helped Europeans meet and trade with the native people of North America.
On his last trip, he found the Hudson Strait and the huge Hudson Bay. He was still looking for the Northwest Passage. In 1611, after a cold winter, most of his crew rebelled. They left Hudson, his son, and six other men in a small boat. No one knows what happened to them after that.
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Henry Hudson's Early Life
We don't know much about Henry Hudson's early life. He was likely born in London, England, sometime around 1565. By 1607, he was already a skilled sailor. He was chosen to lead important trips to find new trade routes.
Hudson's Voyages of Exploration
Searching for a Northern Passage (1607–1608)
In 1607, an English company called the Muscovy Company hired Hudson. They wanted him to find a northern sea route to Asia. English and Dutch traders were competing for these routes. People thought that the summer sun in the far north might melt the ice. This would allow ships to sail over the "top of the world."
On May 1, 1607, Hudson set sail on his ship, the Hopewell. He had a crew of ten men and one boy. They reached Greenland and then sailed north. They saw and named several places, like "Hold with Hope." Later, they spotted "Newland," which is now called Spitsbergen.
They sailed very far north, but thick ice blocked their way. They had to turn back. Hudson wanted to try a different route home, but the ice made it impossible. The expedition returned to England in September.
Hudson saw many whales in the waters around Spitsbergen. His reports might have encouraged other countries to start whaling trips there. However, some historians believe other explorers' reports were more important for starting the whaling industry.
In 1608, English companies sent Hudson on another trip. Again, he sailed the Hopewell to find a passage to Asia, this time east of northern Russia. They traveled far north, past the Arctic Circle. But once more, thick ice blocked their path, even in summer. They had to turn back to England.
Exploring North America (1609)
In 1609, a Dutch company hired Hudson. They wanted him to find an eastern sea route to Asia. But while in Amsterdam, he heard about a possible western route through North America. Hudson was supposed to sail north of Russia. However, ice blocked that path. So, Hudson changed his plans. He decided to sail west, hoping to find a passage through North America instead.
They reached the Grand Banks of Newfoundland in July. Then they landed in Nova Scotia, Canada. There, they met local