Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie
City
City of Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie skyline Poughkeepsie skyline
Flag Official seal of Poughkeepsie Seal
Nickname(s):  "The Queen City of the Hudson"
Motto(s):  "A City with a Proud Past and a Bright Future"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Dutchess {{{end}}}
Settled	1687
Incorporated (village)	1799
Incorporated (city)	1854
Founded by	Barent Baltus
Named for	Barent Baltus
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Body	Poughkeepsie City Council
• Mayor	Rob Rolison
Area
• City	14.8 km2 (5.73 sq mi)
• Land	13.0 km2 (5.03 sq mi)
• Water	1.8 km2 (0.70 sq mi)
Elevation	26 m (85 ft)
Population  (2010)
• City	30,778
• Density	2,364.0/km2 (6,122.7/sq mi)
• Metro	672,871
• Metro density	157.3/km2 (407.4/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	12601-12604
Area code(s)	845
FIPS code	36-59000
GNIS feature ID	0960864
Website	www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com

Poughkeepsie is a city located in Dutchess County, New York, United States. It is the county seat and largest city in Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is situated in the Hudson Valley region, approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of New York City.

History

Poughkeepsie was settled in 1687 by Barent Baltus, a Dutch trader. It was incorporated as a village in 1799 and later as a city in 1854. The city's name is derived from the name of its founder, Barent Baltus. Poughkeepsie played a significant role in the American Revolution and was an important center for trade and commerce in the 19th century.

Geography

Poughkeepsie is located at . The city has a total area of 5.73 square miles, of which 5.03 square miles is land and 0.70 square miles is water. It is bordered by the Hudson River to the west and the town of Poughkeepsie to the east.

Demographics

According to the 2010 census, Poughkeepsie had a population of 30,778. The city has a population density of 6,122.7 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is diverse, with a significant African American and Hispanic population.

Economy

Poughkeepsie has a diverse economy with sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology playing a significant role. The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Vassar College and Marist College. The healthcare industry is also a major employer in Poughkeepsie, with several hospitals and medical centers located in the city.

Culture

Poughkeepsie is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, a historic theater in downtown Poughkeepsie, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The city also hosts several annual festivals and events, including the Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market and the Poughkeepsie Jazz Festival.

Education

Poughkeepsie is served by the Poughkeepsie City School District, which operates several public schools in the city. The city is also home to several private schools, including the Poughkeepsie Day School and Oakwood Friends School. Higher education institutions in Poughkeepsie include Vassar College, Marist College, and Dutchess Community College.

Transportation

Poughkeepsie is well-connected to other parts of New York and the surrounding region through various transportation options. The city is served by the Metro-North Railroad, which provides commuter rail service to New York City. Poughkeepsie is also served by several major highways, including Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 9. The city has a public transportation system operated by the Dutchess County Public Transit.

Notable People

Poughkeepsie has been home to several notable individuals, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who was born in Hyde Park, a town adjacent to Poughkeepsie. Other notable residents include actress Meryl Streep and musician Daryl Hall.

External links

• Official website
• Poughkeepsie Public Library District
• Bardavon 1869 Opera House
• Vassar College
• Marist College
• Dutchess Community College