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.