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In the wake of Hudson's voyage on the Dutch East India Co. ship the Halve Maen, New Netherlands was founded in New Amsterdam, which now is the island of Manhattan.
Schumer, D-N.Y., has invited Queen Beatrix to attend events in New York City and the Hudson Valley in October 2009, noting the significance of Hudson's voyage in the development of New York state.
"Henry Hudson's voyage in 1609 shaped and defined New York state as we know it today," Schumer said. "While Henry Hudson might not have found that southwest passage to the East he was searching for, he achieved something much more valuable: creating a Dutch presence in the New World, centered in what is now New York state. In light of the legacy of New York's Dutch history ... Her Majesty's presence in the Hudson Valley for our celebration would be a true honor."
A quadricentennial celebration of Hudson's voyage is planned for September and October 2009 in New York City and other points along the Hudson River, including Ulster County.
