Welcome to the Union College Three Rivers Voyage of Discovery: An Interdisciplinary Study of the Hudson, Connecticut, and Delaware Rivers from a Scientific and Historical Perspective.

We invite you to follow us on our journey throughout the waters of the New Netherland Colony.

In 1609 Henry Hudson, in the employment of the Dutch East India Company, became the first European to document the Delaware River and to explore the Hudson River to the head of navigation. By 1614 Dutch traders had established trading posts on the Hudson, and explored the Connecticut to the head of navigation. These three Rivers, then known as the North (Hudson), Fresh (Connecticut), and South (Delaware) Rivers, formed the core of the colony that became known as New Netherland.

As had been the case with native peoples resident in the area before Hudson’s arrival, these three rivers were vital to food, trade, travel, recreation, and communication. The rivers provided access to the interior for the beaver trade, and transport of goods to and from the trading sites. Further, the rivers provided a source of food, both directly through fishing and indirectly through the deposition of fertile soils in the floodplain. Ships like the Half Moon were the internet of the early 17th century, providing the quickest means of communication internally throughout New Netherland, and back to the colony’s governing body, the Dutch West India Company in the Netherlands.

In modern times, these three rivers retain their important role in the economy and ecology of the region, albeit with changed circumstances. Transportation remains a central function of the rivers. Shipping to ports on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and petroleum transportation on all three rivers is critical to the function of society throughout the mid-Atlantic. Rail traffic follows the level ground adjacent to the rivers. The three rivers fill critical ecological functions in their respective estuaries, provide popular recreational opportunities, and serve as an attraction for tourism.

In June 2006 , the Replica Ship Half Moon undertakes our most elaborate Voyage of Discovery to date. With our crew of Union College students, we will venture forth to explore the three rivers of New Netherland. While learning about (and experiencing) 17th century nautical life, our students will also conduct extensive ecological research on these waterways. This website allows you to keep up with our progress.

The Daily Log is our way of letting you know each day's events. We'll be updating from shipboard at least once a day, so please check back regularly -- there's a lot to see!

Stop by the Crew page to meet the Union College students, faculty, and Half Moon "old salt" volunteers comprising our crew on this voyage.

The Research page is where we'll be posting information about our scientific studies. Check back each day to see as our knowledge expands.

Most Recent Update (July 4): Complete logs for June 17 and June 18.

If you'd like to talk to us on shipboard, send us an email at info@halfmoon.mus.ny.us. Please keep the email messages small (maximum 100 kb, less is better) because it takes us a long time to download.

For information about our ship, please visit the rest of the Half Moon's Website.