view no. 24: The Half Moon in Albany

Watercolor on Linen / 14“ X 20”

On the eight day, Hudson passed along Schodack Island, which was a central site for the Mohican’s fire council. Because of shallow water, the furthest point the Half Moon reached was Castleton Island, where a major Indian fort existed. Members of the crew remained in this location to repair the ship’s mast, and encountered the Mohawk Indians with whom they traded for furs. A few crew members were sent in a rowboat, to sound the river north as far as Waterford and Pleasantdale. They then concluded that the water depth was inadequate for the Half Moon to sail.  

Within a few years, a lucrative Dutch fur trade with the Mohican and Mohawk Indians led to the building of a trading post (Fort Orange), later to become Albany. Hudson’s ship never reached Albany, as shown in this fantom painting of the Half Moon in front of the landmark SUNY Administration Building. Today, a channel, maintained by the Coast Guard, provides for ship access.