In the early 17th Century, trade was everything - and whoever could access the most direct trade routes had the advantage. English captain Henry Hudson understood this, and worked for a number of different competitors including the English, Dutch, and Russians. Hudson's third voyage sent him across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of finding a route across the Arctic to China and India: the Northwest Passage.

Hudson found no such passage, but encountered what is now New York City, sailed up the river (which now bears his name) to Albany, and traded extensively with Native Americans in the area, mostly Algonquins.

Hudson was an ambitious explorer, but often asked too much of his crew. This eventually led to his demise when they mutinied and abandoned him in icy waters.