The direct line of the Bowery lane indicates the natural course of its predecessor through a tract offering no physical obstructions or changes in grade. At the line of Astor place another pathway branched westward. This was an important connection between the main line of travel and the landing-place on the shore of the Hudson by which trade in peltries and food was conducted with the tribes on the west side of the estuary.

This place was known as Sapohanikan (4), and was situated on the curving shore of the river at our present Gansevoort street. The tide-line in those days was well inland of Washington street, and the stretch of shelving shore between Bethune and Horatio streets formed a shallow cove suited to the landing of laden canoes at all heights of the tide. There does not appear to have been any fresh-water supply at or near this place, so that it would have lacked the most important element necessary to permanent residence.