Dutchess County History

Dutchess County History - Prior to Anglo-Dutch settlement, what is today Dutchess County was a leading center for the native Wappinger peoples. They had their council fire at what is now present day Fishkill Hook and also held gatherings along the Danskammer.

In 1683, the Province of New York established its first twelve counties, with Dutchess County being one of them. Its boundaries at that time included the present Putnam County, and a small portion of the present Columbia County near Clermont and Germantown. The county was named for Mary of Modena, Duchess of York, second wife of James, Duke of York (later James II, King of England).

Until 1713, Dutchess was administered by Ulster County. In 1812, Putnam County was detached from Dutchess.

From 1683 to 1715 most of the settlers in Dutchess County were Dutch. Many of these moved in from Albany and Ulster Counties. They settled along the Fishkill River and in the areas that are now Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck.

From 1715 to 1730 most of the new settlers in Dutchess county were Germans. From 1730 until 1775 New Englanders were the main new settlers in Dutchess County.

Dutchess County in the 20th century

Franklin D. Roosevelt lived in his family home in Hyde Park, overlooking the Hudson River. His family's home is now the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.

Prior to the 1960s, Dutchess County was primarily agricultural. Since then the southern part of the county near  Poughkeepsie has developed into a largely residential area, suburban in character, with many of its residents commuting to jobs in New York City. The northern region of the county is still very much rural with large farmlands but at the same time developed residences used during the summer and or on weekends by people living in the New York City urban area

Source: Wikipedia 2013

Video: Dutchess County Hidden Travel Sites