The Hudson River

I.

A small lake called "Lake Tear of the Clouds" in northern New York is the source, or beginning, of the Hudson River. For a long distance the Hudson River flows southward as a small, narrow mountain stream. It winds in and out of a series of ponds and tumbles over some small waterfalls as it winds its way through the Adirondack Mountains. The river comes out of the mountains into a broad, open lowland. It flows almost directly south where it enters the sea at New York Bay.

The Hudson is not a true river. Millions of years ago the land where the river is now was at a higher level. Then the land sank deeeper and deeper and became what geologists call a "drowned valley," perhaps because of an earthquake, erosion, or underground springs. When the land sank, it allowed sea water to enter the valley and back up a great distance. The salty sea water mixes with the fresh water from the mountain streams to form an "estuary." The mix of salt and fresh water makes the estuary a perfect habitat for many kinds of fish and other seafood.

The Hudson River is straight and that makes it an ideal river for boats. It became one of the most important rivers for transporting goods early in the history of this country. At one time steamboats chugged up and down the river on a regular basis. Industries were built along the river to take advantage of the transportation and the harbor at New York City.

II.

But the Hudson River has not always been healthy. Many of the industries that were built along the shores began dumping their waste products into the river causing it to become polluted. Sailboats sailed in water slick with oil spilled from tankers and barges. Paper mill wastes mixed with raw sewage caused a terrible stench every summer. Fish were killed near the power plants. By 1960, the Hudson River was a perfect example of a polluted river. A Presidential council called the area "an open sewer."

Since then, millions of dollars have gone into cleaning up the river. Now there are federal laws that protect the river from the kinds of pollution that were destroying it. Environmental groups work together to correct the pollution problems. Industries have had to clean up their areas and change the way they get rid of waste.

The news is good these days: the Hudson River is getting cleaner!

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Last updated on April 1, 1997
Maintained by John L. Day

<jday@umd5.umd.edu>