Henry Hudson, an English navigator in the service of the Dutch East India Company, embarked on a significant exploratory journey aboard the ship Half Moon. His expedition, originally intended to find a northwest passage to Asia, took a pivotal turn when he arrived at Delaware Bay, an area rich in natural resources and waterways. Upon entering the bay, Hudson was met with the region's Native American tribes, who had inhabited the land for thousands of years. These early encounters highlighted both the possibilities of trade and the complexities of cultural exchanges between Europeans and indigenous peoples.

During his exploration of Delaware Bay, Hudson documented the geography and the abundant natural resources, including potential fur trade opportunities. He noted the area's rich forests, fish stocks, and fertile grounds. Hudson's observations and recordings were crucial as they provided valuable information that would influence future efforts in colonization. Although Hudson did not ultimately find a route to Asia, his exploration marked the opening of the Mid-Atlantic region for European colonial interests.

The initial explorations by Hudson would pave the way for Dutch settlements and later English claims to the region, significantly altering its cultural and social landscape. His journey is a hallmark of early 17th-century exploration and expansion, bringing European ambition and innovation to new territories, while simultaneously initiating a complex interplay between European settlers and Native American communities.