Hudson River

• Type: Geographical Feature (River)
• Location: New York, United States of America
• Owner/Residents: N/A
• Key Features: Major North American river forming the western boundary of Manhattan island, a key location for the American wizarding community.

The Hudson River is a major river in the state of New York. In the wizarding world, it serves as a significant geographical landmark for New York City, the location of the headquarters for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). The river and its associated harbor were a primary point of entry for travellers to New York City in the early 20th century. In December 1926, Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrived in the city by steamship, sailing into New York Harbor at the mouth of the Hudson River to begin his visit to America. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film)

While not a site of specific magical events itself, the Hudson River forms an essential part of the backdrop for the dramatic incidents that occurred in New York City in 1926. Its primary significance is tied to the conclusion of the Obscurus crisis. Following the destruction caused by Credence Barebone's Obscurus and its subsequent confrontation with MACUSA Aurors, a city-wide memory modification was required to protect the International Statute of Secrecy. Newt Scamander released his Thunderbird, Frank, into a storm over the city. Frank dispersed a diluted solution of Swooping Evil venom into the rain, which erased the recent bad memories of the city's entire No-Maj population. This magical rain fell across all of Manhattan, including the surface of the Hudson River. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film)

• The Hudson River is a real-world location in the United States of America. Its inclusion in the wizarding world narrative is a direct result of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film series expanding the story's setting to North America.
• The establishing shots of New York City in the film prominently feature the city's waterways, including the harbor at the mouth of the Hudson, to ground the magical story in a real, historical setting. (film)