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History of Dutchess County, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Dutchess County, New York, USA
Explore Dutchess County, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Dutchess County Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
When Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River in 1609, laying claim to the valley for the Dutch Crown, the east bank of the river had been home for centuries to the Wappinger Indians and other members of the Algonquin Federation. They called one of their encampments Poughkeepsie, "the reed-covered lodge by the little water place."
In 1683, the colonial assembly established the twelve original counties of New York. Dutchess was among them, named after Mary of Modena, then Duchess of York and wife of the future King James II of England.
dutchessny.gov
Explore even more about Dutchess County, New York, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to DUTCHESS COUNTY

I Love NEW YORK Mug – Pizza, Bagels & Cheesecake Ceramic Coffee Cup
Sip your way into the heart of the Big Apple with our Ceramic Mug featuring the mouthwatering trio of Pizza, Bagels, and Cheesecake! Designed for true New York food lovers, this mug is your perfect companion for savoring your favorite brews.

NEW YORK Roots & Sarcasm - Ceramic Genealogy Coffee Mug
Discover your New York heritage with a twist of humor with our "Found my roots in New York—turns out my ancestors invented sarcasm!" mug. This mug is perfect for those who appreciate the art of witty banter passed down through generations.

NEW YORK - Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug - Ceramic
Discover the charm and mystery of your roots with our "Lost in the Catskills: Upstate New York Genealogy Mug." This ceramic beauty is more than just a coffee cup; it’s a conversation starter that celebrates the quirks and tales of family history in Upstate New York.

NEW YORK - Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug – Funny Upstate NY Genealogy Coffee Cup
Start your day with a laugh—and a nod to history! The Finding Skeletons in Closets Since 1624 Mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and Upstate New York fans. Adorned with a witty slogan and a charming vintage design, this mug celebrates the rich and often surprising history of Upstate New York. Whether you're tracing your roots or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this mug is sure to spark conversation and bring a smile to your face.

NEW YORK Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug Gift Idea - Celebrate Your Ancestry with Every Sip!
Embrace your heritage with this New York Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug, perfect for the proud family historian. Whether you're researching your ancestors or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, this ceramic mug reminds you of your deep connection to the Empire State.

ELLIS ISLAND Roots Ceramic Mug – Tribute to Ancestry and New Beginnings - Celebrating Our Immigrant Ancestors
Celebrate your family’s journey with this ceramic mug featuring vintage postcards of Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America. Adorned with the heartfelt phrase, "Ellis Island: Where My Roots Took Their First Steps!" this mug is a tribute to the brave immigrants who paved the way for future generations. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sharing stories of your ancestors, this mug serves as a beautiful reminder of the past and the roots that shaped your future. A perfect gift for genealogy enthusiasts or anyone proud of their heritage!
Discover Dutchess County: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Until 1713, Dutchess was administered by Ulster County. On October 23, 1713 Queen Anne gave permission for Dutchess County to elect its own officers from among their own population including a Supervisor, Tax Collector, Tax Assessor and Treasurer.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1854 - Dutchess county
Dutchess, a county in the E. S. E. part of New York, has an area of about 816 square miles. It is bounded on the E. by the State of Connecticut, and on the W. by the Hudson river. It is drained by Wappinger's creek, Fishkill river, and other smaller streams, which turn numerous mills. The surface is uneven, and in the eastern and western parts hilly. The soil is generally fertile and under good cultivation, although a large portion is better adapted to grazing than grain. Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and grass are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 782,605 bushels of corn, (the greatest quantity produced by any county in the state;) 1,006,117 of oats, (also the greatest yield of any county in the state;) 885,941 of potatoes; 97,832 tons of hay, and 1,760.086 pounds of butter. There were 69 flour mills, 6 furnaces, 6 iron foundries, 11 cotton and 9 woollen factories. It contained 124 churches and 6 newspaper offices ; 13,433 pupils attending public schools, and 987 attending... Read MORE...
Dutchess, a county in the E. S. E. part of New York, has an area of about 816 square miles. It is bounded on the E. by the State of Connecticut, and on the W. by the Hudson river. It is drained by Wappinger's creek, Fishkill river, and other smaller streams, which turn numerous mills. The surface is uneven, and in the eastern and western parts hilly. The soil is generally fertile and under good cultivation, although a large portion is better adapted to grazing than grain. Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and grass are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 782,605 bushels of corn, (the greatest quantity produced by any county in the state;) 1,006,117 of oats, (also the greatest yield of any county in the state;) 885,941 of potatoes; 97,832 tons of hay, and 1,760.086 pounds of butter. There were 69 flour mills, 6 furnaces, 6 iron foundries, 11 cotton and 9 woollen factories. It contained 124 churches and 6 newspaper offices ; 13,433 pupils attending public schools, and 987 attending... Read MORE...
1895 - Dutchess county
Dutch’ess, a southeastern county of New York, bordering on Connecticut, has an area of about 853 square miles. It is bounded on the W. by the Hudson River, and is drained by Fishkill River and Wappinger's Creek. The surface is partly a hilly upland, with some deep ravines, and the Taghanic Mountains extend along its eastern border. The soil is generally fertile and adapted to grazing, hay, oats, Indian corn, cattle, butter, and potatoes are the staple products. This county supplies large quantities of milk to the market of New York. It is intersected by 4 railroads, —the New York Central & Hudson River, the West Shore, the New York & Massachusetts, and the Central New Eng land & Western, all of which pass through Poughkeepsie, the capital of the county. Silurian slate crops out in this county, which has some metamorphic limestone or marble. Among the forest trees are the oak, chestnut, hickory, elm, and beech. Pop. in 1870, 74,041; in 1875, 76,056; in 1880, 79,184; in 1890, 77,879.
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
Dutch’ess, a southeastern county of New York, bordering on Connecticut, has an area of about 853 square miles. It is bounded on the W. by the Hudson River, and is drained by Fishkill River and Wappinger's Creek. The surface is partly a hilly upland, with some deep ravines, and the Taghanic Mountains extend along its eastern border. The soil is generally fertile and adapted to grazing, hay, oats, Indian corn, cattle, butter, and potatoes are the staple products. This county supplies large quantities of milk to the market of New York. It is intersected by 4 railroads, —the New York Central & Hudson River, the West Shore, the New York & Massachusetts, and the Central New Eng land & Western, all of which pass through Poughkeepsie, the capital of the county. Silurian slate crops out in this county, which has some metamorphic limestone or marble. Among the forest trees are the oak, chestnut, hickory, elm, and beech. Pop. in 1870, 74,041; in 1875, 76,056; in 1880, 79,184; in 1890, 77,879.
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
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Dutchess County:
1. Walkway Over the Hudson: Start your visit with a stroll or bike ride on the Walkway Over the Hudson. This converted railway bridge spans the Hudson River, providing breathtaking views of the river, surrounding landscapes, and the nearby city of Poughkeepsie.
2. Dia Beacon: If you're a fan of contemporary art, don't miss the Dia Beacon. This museum features a remarkable collection of art from the 1960s to the present day, housed in a beautifully restored industrial building. It's an excellent place to spend a few hours immersed in thought-provoking art.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum: History buffs will appreciate a visit to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Learn about the life and times of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his significant contributions during the Great Depression and World War II. The beautiful grounds and rose garden are also worth exploring.
4. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site: Explore the grandeur of the... Read MORE...
1. Walkway Over the Hudson: Start your visit with a stroll or bike ride on the Walkway Over the Hudson. This converted railway bridge spans the Hudson River, providing breathtaking views of the river, surrounding landscapes, and the nearby city of Poughkeepsie.
2. Dia Beacon: If you're a fan of contemporary art, don't miss the Dia Beacon. This museum features a remarkable collection of art from the 1960s to the present day, housed in a beautifully restored industrial building. It's an excellent place to spend a few hours immersed in thought-provoking art.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum: History buffs will appreciate a visit to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Learn about the life and times of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his significant contributions during the Great Depression and World War II. The beautiful grounds and rose garden are also worth exploring.
4. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site: Explore the grandeur of the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Dutchess County Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Dutchess County, New York, USA
We currently have information about 171 ancestors who were born or died in Dutchess County.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Dutchess County, New York, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Dutchess County.View Them Now
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