Fishkill, New York

Fishkill, New York is a town located in Dutchess County, New York, approximately 60 miles north of New York City and 15 miles south of Poughkeepsie. The town is situated near the Hudson River and is bordered by the towns of Wappinger and East Fishkill to the north, Beekman to the east, and Cold Spring to the south. Fishkill is also close to the Catskill Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy visiting Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Geography

The town of Fishkill has a total area of 32.9 square miles, of which 31.4 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water. The town is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York, near the New York State Thruway and Interstate 84. Fishkill is also close to the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Hudson River and connects the town to Highland. The town's geography is characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who enjoy visiting Bear Mountain State Park and Storm King State Park.

History

The area that is now Fishkill was originally inhabited by the Wappinger Native American tribe, who were later displaced by Dutch West India Company colonists in the 17th century. The town was named after the Dutch word "vis kill," meaning "fish creek," due to the abundance of fish in the nearby Hudson River and Fishkill Creek. During the American Revolution, Fishkill was an important supply depot for the Continental Army, with George Washington and other notable figures such as Benedict Arnold and Nathanael Greene visiting the area. The town is also home to the Van Wyck Homestead Museum, a historic house museum that showcases the region's history and features exhibits on John Jay and Alexander Hamilton.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the town of Fishkill had a population of 22,107 people, with a median age of 41.4 years and a median household income of $83,419. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees who are drawn to the area's natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and proximity to New York City and Albany. Fishkill is also home to a number of notable residents, including Kelsey Grammer, Terry Crews, and James Earl Jones, who have all been known to visit The Culinary Institute of America and Vassar College.

Economy

The economy of Fishkill is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, technology, and tourism. The town is home to a number of major employers, including IBM, Microsoft, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, as well as a number of smaller businesses and startups. Fishkill is also a popular destination for tourists, with attractions such as the Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson Valley Wine Country, and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site drawing visitors from across the region. The town's economy is also supported by its proximity to Stewart International Airport and Westchester County Airport.

Education

Fishkill is served by the Wappingers Central School District, which operates a number of schools in the area, including John Jay High School and Roy C. Ketcham High School. The town is also home to a number of private schools, including The Storm King School and The Randolph School. In addition, Fishkill is close to a number of institutions of higher education, including Marist College, Mount Saint Mary College, and Dutchess Community College, as well as Columbia University and New York University.

Transportation

Fishkill is located near a number of major transportation routes, including Interstate 84 and the Taconic State Parkway. The town is also served by the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, which provides commuter rail service to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. In addition, Fishkill is close to Stewart International Airport and Westchester County Airport, which offer flights to destinations across the United States and around the world. The town is also accessible by bus, with Metro-North Railroad and Short Line Bus offering service to Port Authority Bus Terminal and other destinations in the region, including Albany and Syracuse.