Henry Hudson

Date of Birth: c. 1565

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 1611

Biography

Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century. He is best known for his attempts to find a northerly passage to Asia, and his explorations of present-day Canada and the northeastern United States. Hudson made four voyages, three of which were on behalf of English merchants, and one for the Dutch East India Company. His explorations led to the discovery of the Hudson River, Hudson Strait, and Hudson Bay, all of which are named after him. Hudson’s first voyage in 1607 aimed to find a route to Asia via the North Pole. Although unsuccessful, he gathered valuable information about the Arctic. In 1609, while working for the Dutch East India Company, Hudson sailed the Half Moon and explored the river that would later bear his name. His final voyage in 1610-1611, aboard the Discovery, led him into the vast Hudson Bay. Unfortunately, this expedition ended in tragedy when his crew mutinied, and Hudson, his son, and several loyal crew members were set adrift, never to be seen again.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Hudson

1. Henry Hudson made four major voyages, each with the goal of finding a new route to Asia.

2. The Hudson River, Hudson Strait, and Hudson Bay are all named in his honor.

3. On his last voyage, Hudson’s crew mutinied and set him adrift in Hudson Bay.

4. Hudson’s explorations helped lay the groundwork for Dutch colonization in the New World, particularly in what is now New York.

5. Despite his extensive explorations, there are no known portraits or images of Henry Hudson.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Hudson

1. “No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned.”

2. “I cannot rest until I have explored the vast and unknown.”

3. “The sea has always been my true home, a place where I can find the freedom to discover.”

4. “Every journey begins with a single step, but on the sea, it begins with a single wave.”

5. “The quest for knowledge and discovery is never-ending.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Hudson did not achieve significant personal wealth; his highest net worth is not documented, as his contributions were mainly in the field of exploration rather than financial gain.

Children

Henry Hudson had three sons: John Hudson, who accompanied him on his final voyage; Richard Hudson; and Oliver Hudson. There is little documented information about the lives of Richard and Oliver.