Dutch and English on the Hudson: A Chronicle of Colonial New York

"Dutch and English on the Hudson: A Chronicle of Colonial New York" by Maud Wilder Goodwin is a historical narrative that recounts the early days of New York. It begins with Henry Hudson's journey on the "Half Moon" in 1609, marking the start of Dutch influence in America. The story retells the encounters between Hudson and Native Americans, showing both friendly trading moments and violent conflicts. It highlights Hudson's adventurous spirit as he finds the Hudson River and its rich lands, also hinting at the difficulties and disagreements that would come with settling the area. Packed with descriptions and historical background, the book prepares the reader for later chapters that explore the lives of settlers and what happened to the land they took as their own.