The first recorded European entrance into the Narrows was in 1524 by Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano , who set anchor in the strait and was greeted by a group of Lenape in canoes . The first recorded European entrance into the Narrows was in 1524 by Giovanni da Verrazzano , who set anchor in the strait and was greeted by a group of Lenape , who paddled out to meet him in the strait .