History of Beacon, New York, USA

Beacon was settled by Europeans as the villages of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing in 1709

wikipedia.org

1854 - Fishkill
Fisiikill, a post-township of Dutchess county. New York, on the Hudson river, opposite Newburg. It is intersected by the Hudson River railroad. Population, 9240. Fishkill, a post-village in the above town ship, on Fishkill creek, 5 miles E. from the Hudson, and 65 N. from New York. It contains several churches, and an academy and a bank. Population, estimated at 1000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1877 - Fishkill
POPULATION, 15,785. - SQUARE ACRES, 59,848.

FISHKILL was formed as a town March 7th, 1788. A part of Philipstown was annexed March 14th, 1806. A part of "Freedom" (now Lagrange) was taken off in 1821. November 29th, 1849, East Fishkill was taken from it and erected into a separate township; and May 10th, 1875, the town of "Wappinger" was constituted from its remaining northern portion. As few or no events of historic interest have transpired since its division into separate townships, the facts recorded in this chapter will be considered as relating to the whole territory comprised in the original town of Fishkill. The early inhabitants called it Vis-Kill, that is, Fish-Creek, kill being the name for creek; hence its present name.

The surface is mountainous in the south, and hilly in the north. The Fishkill Mountains, extending along the southern border, are high, rocky, and precipitous. Old Beacon and Grand Sachem, the highest summits, are respectively 1471 and 1685 feet above... Read MORE...

1895 - Fishkill on the Hudson / Fishkill Landing
Fishkill on the Hudson, or Fishkill Landing, a post-village of Dutchess co., N.Y., on the Hudson River, opposite Newburg, about 1 mile W. of Matteawan, and 58 miles above New York, with which it is connected by the Hudson River Railroad. The name of its post-office is Fishkill on the Hudson. It contains 4 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, 2 machine-shops, a boiler-shop, a hat factory, and a printing-office which issues a weekly news paper. A steam ferry-boat plies between this place and Newburg. Pop. in 1890, 3617.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

Beacon was incorporated as a city in 1913, amalgamating the two villages as well as a small portion of the hamlet of Glenham from the town of Fishkill.

wikipedia.org

1916
Beacon Hill, or Old Beacon, a mountain in Dutchess co., N.Y., near Fishkill, is one of the highest summits of the Hudson Highlands, having an elevation of about 1500 feet.

Fishkill, a banking post-village in Fishkill township (town), Dutchess co., N.Y., on a creek of the same name, 5 miles E. of the Hudson River and 82 miles N. of New York, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Newburg, Dutchess and Connecticut Rs. Pop. in 1900, 589. The town contains larger villages, named Fishkill on the Hudson (or Fishkill Landing) and Matteawan. Pop. of the town in 1900, 13,016.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Beacon has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do:
1. Dia Beacon:
Start your visit with Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing facility. It's home to an impressive collection of art from the 1960s to the present, featuring renowned artists.

2. Mount Beacon:
For the outdoor enthusiasts, a hike up Mount Beacon is a must. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, and you can explore the ruins of the historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway at the top.

3. Main Street Galleries:
Take a stroll down Main Street, where you'll find numerous art galleries showcasing works by local and international artists. The vibrant arts scene is one of Beacon's main attractions.

4. Hudson Valley Brewery:
If you're a fan of craft beer, head to Hudson Valley Brewery. They offer a rotating selection of unique and flavorful beers. The industrial-chic setting adds to the experience.

5. Bannerman Castle:
Take a boat tour to Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. The castle's ruins are intriguing,... Read MORE...