Two different essays are needed for a course called, the Hudson River and its valley, the details and description are posted below. 

1) Discuss the connection between commerce and the arts prior to the civil war. (the hudson river and its valley) 

2) choose a region (albany ny usa, or the northern source of the hudson in the Adirondacks, or the western extension of the former erie canal are acceptable) and explain how the hudson river and/or its valley has contributed to its identity, or local "flavor." the purpose is to understand that the history of a location is rooted not only in the characteristics of its environment, but is also a branch of other places.