Henry Hudson
1570? - 1611

Voyage Dates
1607, 1608, 1609 and 1610

Why He Explored:
Henry Hudson explored because he wanted to find a northwestern passage to Asia. But his ship, The Hopewell, could not travel through the ice. After 1609, the English lost interest in Hudson's hope to find a northwestern route, so the Dutch East India Company hired him.

Interesting Facts and Details:

• Hudson was born and raised in England and his birth date is unknown. 
• He started sailing as a cabin boy at age sixteen. After seven years Hudson was promoted to the position of apprentice. By 1607, Hudson had become an experienced sailor.
• Hudson founded the Hudson River in 1609.
• Hudson sailed into the Hudson Bay in 1609.
• Hudson had two ships, The Hopewell and The Half Moon.

Summary of Explorations:
In 1607, Hudson tried to find a northern passage to Asia for Muscovy Company. He did not succeed. Also in 1607, Hudson made it to Greenland and to Spitsbergen. In 1608, Hudson again tried to find a northern passage to Asia, but the ice was impossible for Hudson's crew. In 1609, Hudson got hired by the Dutch East India Company and found the Hudson River and sailed as far north as Albany. Finally, in 1611, Hudson, his son John, and seven loyal crewmen set sail and were never seen again.

By Nick F.

Hudson sailed for the 
Muscovy Company and 
Dutch East India Company

Henry Hudson Word Search

More about Henry Hudson:
Henry Hudson   
Henry Hudson 
Half Moon Replica  
New Netherland Museum 

John Cabot        Jacques Cartier        Samuel de Champlain
Christopher Columbus        Henry Hudson       Giovanni Da Verrazano