Poughkeepsie, New York

Poughkeepsie is a small city located in the Hudson Valley Region in the eastern portion of the US state of New York. Being the county seat of Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie is situated about 75 miles north of New York City on the eastern shores of the Hudson River. This quick weekend vacation, called "po-kip-see," is a joy for New Yorkers. Historically regarded as New York's second capital, Poughkeepsie is brimming with fascinating tourist attractions and lots of recreational activities.

Geography And Climate Of Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie covers a total area of 14.81 sq. km, of which only 1.49 sq. km is covered by water, and 13.32 sq. km is occupied by land. The city is located approximately 121km north of the core of the New York metropolitan area and 118.3km south of Albany - the state capital. Across the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie is bordered by the small town of Llyod on the western side and on the northern, eastern, and southern sides by the town of Poughkeepsie. The highest point in the city is the College Hill which rises to an elevation of 120m, while the city's lowest point is on the Hudson River. 

According to the Köppen climate classification, Poughkeepsie experiences a humid continental climate. The summers in the city are hot, while the winters are cold and snowy, and it is partly cloudy all year. Throughout the year, the average temperature ranges typically from -7.7°C to 28.8°C, with temperatures seldom falling below -17.2°C or rising over 33.3°C. 

Brief History Of Poughkeepsie

In 1686, a Dutch colonist named Myndert Bogaerdt and an English colonist named Robert Sanders acquired a plot of land from an indigenous Native American tribe. This plot of land eventually became the present-day city of Poughkeepsie. Later that year, in Poughkeepsie, at the courthouse that still stands on Market Street, New York State adopted the United States Constitution. The town of Poughkeepsie borders the city of Poughkeepsie. The hamlet inside the town was made a village on March 27, 1799, which was then incorporated as a city on March 28, 1854. Poughkeepsie is also an industrial district, although it is mainly known as the home of Vassar College, which was founded after the American Civil War to educate women. The Vassar family, who also supported Vassar College, supplied funding for Poughkeepsie's first full-service hospital. Vassar Brothers Hospital started in 1887 and accepted 80 patients in its first year. In 2002, the name was changed to Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Population And Economy Of Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie had a population of 31,577 people as per the latest US Census, with a median age of 37.8 and an average family income of $43,794. Between 2018 and 2019, Poughkeepsie population went from 30,356 to 30,381, a 0.0824% increase, while its median household income increased from $42,296 to $43,794, a 3.54% increase. The city had 1.15 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents in 2019 than any other race or ethnicity. The second and third most prevalent ethnic groupings were Black or African Americans (Non-Hispanic) and Other races (Hispanic).

Attractions In Poughkeepsie

Walkway over the Hudson

This remarkable accomplishment of engineering, the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, was employed as a railway bridge beginning in 1889. It connected the northeast to the Midwest and was known as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge. Closed due to fire in 1974, the bridge was renovated and reopened in 2009 as a refuge for pedestrians looking for a spectacular view. The Walkway Over the Hudson is open year-round from 7 a.m. until sunset. 

Mid-Hudson Bridge

Another noteworthy Poughkeepsie bridge joins the counties of Ulster and Dutchess. This historic bridge is officially known as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; however, it is often referred to as the Mid-Hudson Bridge. This 3,000-foot-long parallel wire cable suspension bridge across the Hudson River was built in 1930. While visitors have to share the bridge with traffic, the pedestrian walkways make it simple to stay safe while admiring the spectacular vistas below.

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

Since 1864, the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center on the scenic grounds of Vassar Campus has served as the college art gallery. Frances Lehman, a significant contributor to the Vassar College Art Gallery, was honored with a renaming of the gallery.

Bardavon Opera House

This 944-seat theater, established in 1869, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Consequently, it is one of the county's oldest theaters and has been declared the state's oldest continuously operating theater. The Bardavon is located in the heart of downtown Poughkeepsie and serves people who love a wide range of performance types. There are films, theater performances, dance events, jazz concerts, rock concerts, and operas throughout the year.

Waryas Riverfront Park

Waryas Park is a hidden treasure that lies at the foot of Main Street. This peaceful park offers a calm environment for a picnic, a riverbank walk, or fun with the kids. There are two playgrounds, several chairs, and picnic tables, outdoor grills, a boat launch, a dock, a restaurant, and other amenities. Together, these features make it simple to spend a whole afternoon relaxing by the Hudson and admiring the breathtaking vista.