In 1609, Henry Hudson sailed up the Narrows between Long and Staten Islands and anchored in the upper bay, almost opposite old Communipaw. Viewing the surrounding country, his gaze fell upon the green plains and pleasantly wooded hills stretching away toward the setting sun. He declared that it was "as pleasant a land as one need tread upon." The over four centuries between then and now have wrought a great change in the beautiful panorama that drew such enthusiastic praise from the great navigator. The green plains have disappeared, and in their place stand office towers and ferry slips, while handsome residences and the tall spires of churches crown the hill beyond. Where Hudson's men found "Grass and flowers and godly trees as ever they had seen," now stand the three tallest buildings in the state of New Jersey.

The European exploration of the land that was to become Jersey City is the beginning of the westward advance into the continent's vast expanses. In Jersey City is the spot where the Dutch established the first settlement in New Jersey. With the close proximity to New York City, the original communities of Jersey City were the scene of many stirring events during the war of Independence. The Jersey City of today is made up of what were originally small towns. In 1620 the condition of New Netherlands did not come up to the expectations of its promoters. To encourage settlers, tempting "freedoms and exemptions" were offered to those who would establish colonies within its territory. Michael Pauw, burgomaster of Amsterdam and Lord of Achienhoven near Utrecht, considered acquiring the west bank of the Hudson River, which had not yet been appropriated. In 1630, he purchased that portion of Jersey City which now lies south of Hoboken and east of the Heights. It included Harsimus, Paulus Hook, and Communipaw.