Henry Hudson was an early 17th century English navigator and explorer. He embarked on multiple sailing voyages not only for the English, but also for the Dutch, attempting to discover a short route from Europe to Asia through the Arctic Ocean, in both the Old World and the New. He was employed by the Dutch East India Company and while seeking a western route to Asia he spent some time exploring the region around what is now New York in the United States which led to the exploration of the river which was eventually named in his honor. Counted among the most famous explorers, Hudson, however, could not find what he was actually looking for—the shortest route from Europe to Asia. But he made many significant discoveries over the course of his career as a professional explorer and his expeditions paved the way for further exploration and settlement of North America. In spite of the fame he enjoyed during his later years, his early life continues to be shrouded in obscurity. The circumstances surrounding his birth or the details regarding his parents are not known. However, it is believed that he started working as a cabin boy while young and became a knowledgeable explorer following years of experience at the sea