The Marcophily of Hudson, New York, 1793 - 1919

Exhibit by George DeKornfeld

Named to commemorate Henry Hudson's first landing on the shores of the upper river, Hudson became the first chartered city in independent America. By 1786, with a population of about 1500, Hudson had several wharves, four large warehouses, shops, barns and a distillery. The presence of twenty-five sea-going vessels made Hudson a major port that included a thriving whaling industry. To meet the burgeoning population's need for reliable mail service, the Hudson Post Office opened its doors on June 12, 1792.