Who was the first European to sail into New York Harbor?

The first European to sail into New York Harbor was Giovanni da Verrazzano. The Florentine explorer entered the harbor in 1524 while sailing for King Francis I of France.

Verrazzano passed through the Narrows and entered New York Bay during his exploration of the North American Atlantic coast. He believed the harbor led to a large river or inland waterway.

Henry Hudson reached the area in 1609, nearly a century later. Hudson explored and mapped the river that now bears his name, which is why he is often mistakenly credited with discovering New York Harbor.

Verrazzano’s voyage was the earliest documented European exploration of the harbor and the surrounding area. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is named in recognition of his expedition.