The North River

Location:   Hudson River
Year:   1609

The proper name of the Hudson River below its confluence with the Mohawk River is the "North River."  This name was bestowed by Henry Hudson himself on behalf of the Dutch for whom he sailed. The people of New Netherlands also called the Delaware River the "South River" and the Connecticut River the "Fresh River."

Of all these alternate names, only "North River" remains in common use. The George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels are collectively known as the "North River Crossings," the docks of New York are known as the "North River Piers," and nautical charts refer to the "North River" between New York and New Jersey. Generally speaking, in modern parlance the North River is considered the tidal estuary portion of the Hudson River.