The Hudson River gained a priceless asset with the support of legendary folk singer, environmentalist, and social rights activist Pete Seeger in the mid-1960s. By that time the river was so polluted that it could not support fish life along entire stretches of water. Seeger’s involvement began with his plan to “build a boat to save the river.” That boat was the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. In 1970, Seeger along with fellow musician Don McLean sailed the Clearwater to Washington, DC to raise awareness of the Hudson River’s dangerous condition and to garner legal support for the river. His campaign to save the river was so successful that in 1972 the Clean Water Act was signed into law. The act offers long-term protection for all rivers in the United States by regulating the discharge of pollutants into the water.

The Clearwater Organization is still active in promoting and protecting the Hudson River. Educational and environmental programming aboard the SS Columbia will both compliment and support Clearwater’s role in championing the beautiful Hudson River.

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