Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie

General Information
Name	Poughkeepsie
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	41°42 N°73
Map
Population
Total	31577
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type	Mayor-Council
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-5
DST	UTC-4

Poughkeepsie is a city in the U.S. state of New York. It is the county seat of Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is located in the Hudson Valley region, midway between New York City and Albany.

History

Poughkeepsie was settled in the 17th century by the Dutch and became a city in 1854. The name "Poughkeepsie" derives from a Native American word meaning "the reed-covered lodge by the little-water place." The city was an early center for industry and trade, benefiting from its location on the Hudson River.

Geography

Poughkeepsie is situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. The city covers a total area of 5.7 square miles, of which 5.1 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water. The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a notable feature, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding areas.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Poughkeepsie had a population of 31,577. The city has a diverse population with a mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Education

Poughkeepsie is home to several educational institutions, including Vassar College, a prestigious liberal arts college. The city is also served by the Poughkeepsie City School District.

Economy

The economy of Poughkeepsie is diverse, with sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology playing significant roles. The presence of institutions like Vassar College and Marist College contributes to the local economy.

Transportation

Poughkeepsie is served by the Poughkeepsie station, which is the northern terminus of the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line. The city is also accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 9 and New York State Route 55.

Culture and Recreation

Poughkeepsie offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The Bardavon 1869 Opera House is a historic theater that hosts performances and events. The city also has numerous parks and trails for outdoor activities.

Notable People

Several notable individuals have been associated with Poughkeepsie, including Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse code, and John Adams, the second President of the United States, who lived in the area.

External links

• Official website of the City of Poughkeepsie
• Dutchess County Tourism