East Fishkill, New York
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| East Fishkill, New York | |
|---|---|
| Name | East Fishkill |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Dutchess |
| Government type | Town Council |
| Leader title | Town Supervisor |
| Leader name | Nicholas D’Alessandro |
| Area total sq mi | 49.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 48.90 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.30 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 30,032 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 41, 33, N, 73... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 12533 |
| Area code | 845 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-22115 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0978934 |
| Website | https://www.eastfishkillny.org/ |
East Fishkill, New York is a town located in the southeastern part of Dutchess County. Originally part of the larger Rombout Patent, it was established as a separate town from Fishkill in 1849. The town is known for its transformation from a rural agricultural community into a significant suburban and technological hub, particularly during the mid-20th century with the arrival of IBM.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Wappinger people, part of the broader Algonquian cultural group. European settlement began in earnest following the 1685 Rombout Patent, a land grant from King James II to Francis Rombouts and his partners. For over a century, the land that would become East Fishkill remained part of the town of Fishkill, which played a role during the American Revolutionary War as a supply center for the Continental Army at nearby Newburgh. The town was formally established on January 18, 1849, separating from Fishkill. Its 19th-century economy was dominated by agriculture and small-scale industry, including mills along the Sprout Creek and Whortlekill Creek. A pivotal transformation began in the 1950s when IBM selected the town as the site for a major manufacturing and development facility, catalyzing rapid population growth and suburban development and shifting the local economy toward high-tech.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 49.2 square miles, of which 48.9 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, part of the Hudson Highlands, and includes several water bodies such as Lake Walton and the Whortlekill Creek. Major transportation routes include Interstate 84, which runs east-west, and New York State Route 52, which provides a north-south corridor. The town borders the towns of LaGrange to the north, Beekman to the east, and Union Vale to the south, with its western boundary adjacent to the city of Beacon.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 30,032. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Asian and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 614 people per square mile. The town is part of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown metropolitan area. Historically, the population saw its most dramatic increase following the establishment of the IBM facility in the 1950s and 1960s, transforming it from a sparsely populated rural area into a populous suburb.
Economy
The economy was historically based on agriculture and milling. The mid-20th century marked a profound shift with the opening of the IBM plant, which for decades was the region's largest employer and established the area as a center for semiconductor manufacturing and technology research. Although IBM's presence has significantly downsized, its legacy continues to influence the local economy. The town is now home to a diverse mix of businesses, including GlobalFoundries, which operates a chip fabrication plant on the former IBM campus, and various companies in sectors like healthcare, professional services, and retail. Major commercial corridors are found along routes 376 and 82.
Government and infrastructure
East Fishkill operates under a Town Council form of government, led by a Town Supervisor and four council members. The town provides services through various departments including the East Fishkill Police Department and the East Fishkill Highway Department. Key infrastructure includes the East Fishkill Community Library and the Town of East Fishkill Recreation Department, which maintains several parks and facilities. The town is served by the Wappingers Central School District, with John Jay High School being a primary secondary institution. Critical utilities are managed by entities like Central Hudson Gas & Electric and the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with East Fishkill include Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice-presidential candidate for a major American party, who practiced law in the area; John R. Froines, a chemist and member of the Chicago Seven; and Mike Malinin, drummer for the Goo Goo Dolls. Tommy John, the Major League Baseball pitcher for whom Tommy John surgery is named, also resided in the town.
Category:Towns in Dutchess County, New York Category:1849 establishments in New York (state)