Native Americans call Ca-ho-ha-ta-te-a (to mention “the river”) in the native language. The Hudson River was known as Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk (“river that flows two ways”). The Mohican tribe lived beside the Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk (Hudson) River. The word ‘mohikontok’ has been spelled in various ways in many sources of information.
Title: “The Hudson River Journey”
Characters:
- Columbus
- Native Americans
- Indigenous Tribes (Algonquins, Lenape, Wappingers, Mahicans)
- Henry Hudson
- Ice Age River
- Striped Bass
- Weakfish
- Porgy
- Eels
- Summer Flounder
- Humpback Whales
Scene 1: The Time of Discovery
Narrator: (Addressing the audience) Long, long ago, in 1492, a brave explorer named Columbus set sail on a grand adventure to find a new path to India. But Columbus didn’t know his journey would lead to a different place.
Columbus: (Excited) My friends thought I’d never find India. But here I am, landing in a new land with people I’ve never seen before.
Native American 1: (Friendly) Welcome to our home!
Native American 2: (Curious) We’re not from India; we’re Native Americans.
Scene 2: The Indigenous Tribes
Narrator: (Explaining) Before Columbus and other settlers arrived, the Hudson River was home to indigenous people. Tribes like the Algonquins, Lenape, Wappingers, and Mahicans lived along its banks.
Indigenous Leader: (Proud) Our ancestors have thrived here for generations.
Scene 3: The Arrival of Henry Hudson
Narrator: (Continuing) Many years later, a navigator named Henry Hudson came in search of the Northwest Passage. Instead, he sailed his ship up a river, which would soon be named after him.
Henry Hudson: (Determined) I’ve found something extraordinary – the Hudson River!
Scene 4: The Birth of the River
Narrator: The Hudson River was born during the last Ice Age, around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Glaciers covered this land, shaping it as we know it today.
Ice Age River: (Majestic) I am a river of ancient origin, born from the ice and the clouds’ tears.
Scene 5: A Unique River
Narrator: The Hudson River is unique. It’s not just a typical river; it’s an estuary where saltwater from the ocean meets freshwater from the north.
Stripped Bass: (Swimming) We call this estuary home. You can catch fish like us here.
Weakfish: (Friendly) We share our waters with Porgy, Eels, and Summer Flounder!
Scene 6: A Cleaner Hudson
Narrator: The Hudson River is much cleaner than it used to be. Thanks to the efforts of many, it’s become a healthier place.
Humpback Whale: (Joyful) We’ve returned to these waters! It’s a sign that the river is healing.
The stage shows a lively and thriving Hudson River, filled with fish and wildlife. The cast members join together to celebrate the river’s history and vitality.
All: (Together) The Hudson River is a treasure we must protect. It’s a part of our history and our future!
The curtain falls as the audience applauds the beautiful journey of the Hudson River.