Located between Pier 45 and Pier 46, the Bow Notch is a vestige of the Hudson River's history as a bustling waterfront.  During the nineteenth century, as boats grew longer, the piers needed to grow, but federal regulations prohibited them from being extended into the channel.  Instead of adding on to the pier, land was excavated inland to accommodate longer vessels.  At the top of this aerial photo, the bow notch is visible as a half sphere between the two piers.


 

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