New York Bay


New York Bay is the large body of water surrounding the mouth of the Hudson River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It is shared by the states of New York and New Jersey in the United States.

Geography

New York Bay is usually divided into two major components, which are connected by the Narrows. They are Upper New York Bay and Lower New York Bay.
The term New York Harbor usually refers to Upper New York Bay and the surrounding Port of New York and New Jersey, but sometimes is taken to be a synonym for New York Bay.
Upper New York Bay includes several islands. Liberty Island is the location of the Statue of Liberty. Nearby Ellis Island is known as a former immigration station. Governors Island is a former military base, now a park and historic site. Robbins Reef Light is also in the upper bay. Lower New York Bay includes Hoffman Island and nearby Swinburne Island. Both are artificial islands that are closed to the public.

History

The first European to visit the area was Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524.