The harbor connects New York to the Hudson and then to the rest of the United States. Over the years, the harbor has been home to transatlantic passenger ships, cargo transports, island ferries and tugboats. The harbor is one of the largest in the world, in size as well as diversity. Providing one of the few natural ports along the unbroken beaches of the East Coast, New York Harbor has given year-round shelter and inland access to America's shipping vessels for more than 200 years.