Henry Hudson (died 1611?) was an English (Kingdom of England) sea explorer and navigator in the early 17th century. After several voyages on behalf of English merchants to explore a prospective Northeast Passage to India, Hudson explored the region around modern New York City while looking for a western route to Asia under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company. He explored the Hudson River – and laid the foundation for Dutch colonization (New Netherland) of the region.

Hudsons final expedition ranged farther north in search of the Northwest Passage, to the Pacific Coast of Asia, leading to his discovery of the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. After wintering in the James Bay, Hudson tried to press on with his voyage in the spring of 1611, but his crew mutinied (mutiny) and they cast him adrift (marooning). His ultimate fate is unknown.