Governor George E. Pataki signed into law legislation
establishing the new Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial
Commission on February 13, 2002. This Commission planned and
developed the 400th anniversary celebrations of the voyages of
discovery made by Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, as well
as 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's steamship voyage along
the Hudson River. We were involved in the Quadricentennial
celebrations throughout 2009, and put on several events of our
own. It was wonderful to see so many excited about New York's
history and to hear what's in store for our future. With
America's first river, the Hudson, in the background, the
Quadricentennial in the Hudson River Valley celebrated the
area's significance in the growth and development of America. We
have added original essays, primary documents, and coverage of
all the Quadricentennial events. Additionally we have compiled a
wealth of information which was already available. Much
gratitude should be shown for the many dedicated i