Harlem River, Tidal strait between Manhattan and the Bronx, United States.
The Harlem River is a tidal strait in New York City between Manhattan and the Bronx that connects the Hudson River to the East River. The waterway extends for about 8 miles and varies in width from roughly 600 to 4000 feet (180 to 1200 meters) at different points.
The Harlem Ship Canal was built in 1895 between Manhattan and Marble Hill to improve navigation and make the route more accessible for larger vessels. This construction changed the original course of the waterway and permanently separated Marble Hill from the rest of Manhattan.
Columbia University rowing teams train on the water and have painted their varsity emblem on a rock face along the course since 1952. This tradition connects student life with the everyday use of the waterway by athletes and recreational boaters across the city.
Multiple bridges, including swing and lift bridges, span the waterway and open regularly to allow vessels of different heights to pass through. Waterfront paths on both sides provide vantage points where visitors can watch boat traffic and observe the surrounding neighborhoods.
The northern section, known as Spuyten Duyvil Creek, shows strong currents where three separate tidal systems meet at different times. This feature creates complex water movements that interest both boaters and biologists studying the area.
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