History of Peekskill, New York, USA

1849 - September 29 - 1st passenger train service to Peekskill NY (New Haven Railroad)

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1854 - Peeksill
Peekskill, a post-village of Cortland township, Westchester county, New York, on the E. bank of the Hudson river, and on the railroad of that name, 100 miles S. from Albany. It is situated a little below the Highlands, and has considerable business. There are Dutch Reformed, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Friends' churches. It contained a bank, a newspaper office, an academy, and several iron foundries. Population in 1840, 2000 ; in 1853. estimated at 2500.
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.

1869 - At Peekskill, N. Y., a man attempted to chastise his wife with the poker, when the child interceded and he hurled the weapon at her.
It stuck in her head, and she ran screaming into the street, where a passing man pulled it out. She died a few days ago. The murderer is under arrest.


St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 5, 1869

1870 - The iron moulders of Peekskill, N. Y., 300 in number, recently quite work on account of the determination of the owners of the foundries to reduce their wages by twenty per cent.


St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 26, 1870

1880 - A New York dispatch says: It is believed a practically inexhaustible supply of emery ore has been discovered near Peekskill.
The discovery is regarded as one of the greatest importance, from the fact that this metal, in a sufficiently pure state to make it marketable, is found in only one place in the United States - near Chester, Mass. - though beds of corundum containing emery have been found in North Carolina, Georgia and Montana.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 24, 1880

1895 - Peekskill
Peeks'kill, a post-village in Cortland township, Westchester co., N.Y., on the E. bank of the Hudson River, 17 miles below Newburg, and 42 miles N. of New York, with which it is connected by the Hudson River Railroad. It is near the place where the river emerges from the Highlands, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It contains 15 churches, a convent, St. Gabriel's school for young ladies (Episcopalian), an academy, a national bank, a savings bank, several iron-foundries and machine-shops, gas-works, electric-light plant, and manufactures of boilers, stoves, hollow-ware, bricks, hats, underwear, &c., and printing offices which issue 3 weekly newspapers. The long panorama presented to the tourist between Peekskill and Newburg is the most magnificent and picturesque part of the scenery of the Hudson. Peekskill is connected with Caldwell's Landing, on the W. bank, by a steam ferry. It is abundantly supplied with good water from a reservoir. Pop: in 1880,6893; in 1890, 96.76; present ... Read MORE...

1900 - DEPEW OPERA HOUSE BURNED. FIRE DESTROY'S THE SENATOR'S PROPERTY AT PEEKSKILL - LOSS, $40,000.
Peekskill, N. Y., Jan. 20. - The Depew Opera House, here, owned by Senator CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW, was destroyed by fire this morning. The loss is estimated at about $40,000.

The fire was discovered about 7:30 o'clock, and when the firemen arrived on the scene the interior of the Opera House was a mass of flames. A high wind favored the rapid progress of the fire, and despite the efforts of the firemen the flames burst through the roof and through the windows. The firemen, seeing that the Opera House was doomed, directed their efforts to saving surrounding property.

The building was erected nine years ago. It was a large brick structure, with brownstone front, and three stories high. In 1896 the building was sold to satisfy a judgement, and there were several bidders for the property. Senator DEPEW bought it for $22,000 and spent much money on improvements.
The New York Times
New York, New York
January 30, 1900

1906
Peekskill, a post-village of Westchester co., N.Y., on the E. bank of the Hudson River, 17 miles below Newburgh and 42 miles N. of New York, on the New York Central and Hudson River R. It is near the place where the river emerges from the picturesque Highlands, S. of Anthony's Nose. It contains the Peekskill Academy and other academic institutions, iron-foundries and machine-shops, and has manufactures of boilers, stoves, hollow-ware, bricks, hats, underwear, distilled liquors, etc. Pop. in 1900, 10,358.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1922 - Saint Valentines Day
Next Tuesday will be St. Valentines Day, February 14.

It's a good day to send a greeting to your sweetheart or divorced wife or ex-bartender friend or any one with whom you'd like to keep on good terms.

It's a day when lovers and heavyladen mail carriers give expression to their pent-up emotions.

It should he a day for caution. Many a mighty marriage license has sprung from a little valentine.

The valentine has wide uses. A carefully chosen one sent to your favorite registered plumber may soften his heart so that he will drop around some time this winter and fix your broken pipes with only the customary "slight" charge, Or with a neat and sentimental epigram you may he able to win over your neighbor's cook and persuade her to live exclusively ever after in your humble kitchen.

But seriously speaking Valentines Day has its more sober side its traditions, its sentiment is thousands of votaries, principally among the children and adolescents.

St. Valentine was a... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Peekskill:
Peekskill Waterfront

Take a stroll along the scenic Hudson River waterfront. There are parks, benches, and great views of the river.

Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (HVCCA)

Explore this contemporary art museum that features innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Check out the events at this historic theater. They host concerts, plays, and various performances throughout the year.

Blue Mountain Reservation

For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a great spot. Hike the trails, have a picnic, or go mountain biking in this beautiful county park.

Peekskill Museum

Learn about the history of Peekskill at the local museum. It's a small but informative place, perfect for history buffs.

Depot District

Explore the Depot District for its vibrant arts scene. You'll find galleries, studios, and often, live music events.

Birdsall House

Grab a bite at Birdsall House, a popular gastropub with a diverse menu and a great... Read MORE...