As New York City turns 400, one of the best ways to grasp its rapid growth is by paddling the very rivers that shaped it. Near Inwood Hill Park, the city’s noise fades, replaced by crickets, as I kayaked closer to the shore where ancient tree roots cling to rocks from the last Ice Age. A blue heron flew low, landing near one of Manhattan’s last original salt marshes, providing a glimpse of what the island’s first inhabitants might have recognized.
This year marks 400 years since New Amsterdam, the Dutch settlement that became New York, was founded. While a celebration could honor the city’s remarkable development into a modern metropolis, it also brings to light the darker legacies of colonialism and slavery. Russell Shorto, author of *The Island at the Center of the World*, notes that the Dutch laid the foundations for New York’s pluralism and capitalism. Yet, their establishment also displaced Native people and relied on enslaved labor to build Lower Manhattan. This complexity has led to a more reflective commemoration of the anniversary, including events like a picnic on Governors Island.
In addition to its cultural diversity, the city owes its development to its waterways. Captain Jonathan Boulware, head of the South Street Seaport Museum, says New York’s identity as a global city stems from its strategic position along major rivers. This access allowed the Dutch and later the British to dominate maritime trade. As the city grew, shipping routes facilitated its rise as an industrial hub, drawing in immigrants and resources from across the globe.
Exploring Manhattan by kayak provides a tangible reminder of this history. A 30-mile trip around the island highlights how the city is reconnecting with its rivers, which once powered its growth. The natural harbor, which Henry Hudson discovered in 1609, became the gateway to immense trade networks, making Manhattan distinct from other colonial settlements.
As the city reflects on its past, modern efforts to clean up the waterways and revitalize the waterfront are bringing New Yorkers back to their aquatic roots. This reconnection offers a new perspective on a city that continues to evolve while honoring the water that made it thrive.
