ABOUT HUDSON
Nestled by the enduring Hudson River, our city of Hudson is rich with originality from its highly preserved architecture and vibrant communities to its maritime history.
Centrally located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, it is surrounded by an abundance of farms, Catskill Mountains and natural beauty making it an ideal retreat from New York City. Today it is filled with vintage furniture shops, cafes, restaurants, shops and art galleries, and affectionately known as the “upstate’s downtown”.
Originally inhabited by native Mahican people (Muhhekunneuw: people of the great river) the city is named after the English explorer, Henry Hudson, who sailed the river in 1609. Hudson has had a turbulent history since it was settled in the 1700’s by seafaring Quakers of Nantucket, seeking refuge from Britain for their whaling ships.
From whaling and international trade in the 18th century, to cotton mills in the 19th century, to cement plants in the 20th century, industries have come and gone. As it changed, so has the architecture, with a mix of Federal, Victorian, Greek revival, Beaux-arts and many more influences. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Hudson became known as “the little town with the big red-light district”, home to a booming circuit of bars, hotels, and brothels frequented by tourists. The last 20 years in Hudson have been a remarkable renaissance, driven by artists, antique dealers and creatives that have made this city their home.
Nestled by the enduring Hudson River, our city of Hudson is rich with originality from its highly preserved architecture and vibrant communities to its maritime history.
Centrally located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, it is surrounded by an abundance of farms, Catskill Mountains and natural beauty making it an ideal retreat from New York City. Today it is filled with vintage furniture shops, cafes, restaurants, shops and art galleries, and affectionately known as the “upstate’s downtown”.
Originally inhabited by native Mahican people (Muhhekunneuw: people of the great river) the city is named after the English explorer, Henry Hudson, who sailed the river in 1609. Hudson has had a turbulent history since it was settled in the 1700’s by seafaring Quakers of Nantucket, seeking refuge from Britain for their whaling ships.
From whaling and international trade in the 18th century, to cotton mills in the 19th century, to cement plants in the 20th century, industries have come and gone. As it changed, so has the architecture, with a mix of Federal, Victorian, Greek revival, Beaux-arts and many more influences. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Hudson became known as “the little town with the big red-light district”, home to a booming circuit of bars, hotels, and brothels frequented by tourists. The last 20 years in Hudson have been a remarkable renaissance, driven by artists, antique dealers and creatives that have made this city their home.