Weband now with the history of the hudson river valley: From the civil war to modern times, benjamin completes his historical account of the region by taking. Webin , david schuyler describes the efforts to reverse the pollution and bleak future of the hudson river that became evident in the 1950s. Through his investigative narrative,. Webhaving orchestrated support from conservation groups and a neighboring town, the utility expected rapid approval. Instead, the plant sparked a storm of protest.