New York Bay facts for kids
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New York Bay is a big area of water where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's like a giant watery doorway! This important bay is located in the United States, shared by the states of New York and New Jersey.
Contents
Geography of New York Bay
New York Bay is split into two main parts: Upper New York Bay and Lower New York Bay. These two sections are connected by a narrow waterway called the Narrows.
Upper New York Bay
Upper New York Bay is closer to New York City. It's a very busy place! When people talk about New York Harbor, they usually mean this part of the bay and the busy Port of New York and New Jersey around it.
This part of the bay has some famous islands:
- Liberty Island: This is where the amazing Statue of Liberty stands tall, welcoming visitors.
- Ellis Island: Long ago, this island was a famous place where millions of immigrants first arrived in the United States.
- Governors Island: Once a military base, this island is now a fun park and a historic spot you can visit.
- Robbins Reef Light: This is a lighthouse that helps guide ships safely in the bay.
Lower New York Bay
Lower New York Bay is the part that opens up to the Atlantic Ocean. It also has a few islands, but they are different from the ones in the upper bay:
- Hoffman Island and Swinburne Island: These are artificial islands, meaning they were built by people. They are not open to the public.
History of New York Bay
The first European to explore New York Bay was an Italian explorer named Giovanni da Verrazzano. He was working for King Francis I of France.
Discovery and Naming
In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano sailed into the bay. He was amazed by what he saw! He named it « New Angoulême ». He chose this name to honor King Francis I, who was also the Count of Angoulême in France.
See also
In Spanish: Bahía de Nueva York para niños
