Distance to NYC: 78 miles
Area: 35 square miles
 
Fishkill, founded in 1788, boasts beautiful, breathtaking river views, great mountain trails, friendly accommodations and fine dining. The town of Fishkill derived its name from two Dutch words, “vis” meaning fish and “kill” meaning stream. In 1683 Frances Rombout and Gulian Verplanck purchased 85,000 acres in Dutchess County from the Wappingers Indians. Rombout & Verplanck never lived on their land, they intended only to use it for free trading. Rombout’s daughter Catharyn and her husband Roger Butt, who were the first white settlers, built a mill at the mouth of the Hudson as it flows into the Hudson. Their house which was built in 1709 still stands in Beacon, it is the oldest residence in Dutchess County.

Fishkill played an important role in the Revolutionary War. The encampment became the main supply depot for the Northern Division of the Continental Army. The first 1,000 copies of the New York State Constitution was turned out on Samuel Loudon’s press in Fishkill in 1777. The Trinity Episcopal Church became a hospital for the soldiers and the Dutch Reformed Church was used as a military prison.

Today the town is technology-based and the farmland has been converted to residential housing. The beauty of the area continues to attract new people, diversified businesses and tourists. Fishkill consists of the Hamlets of Brinkerhoff, Glenham, Dutchess Junction and the Village of Fishkill.
 
Educational Facilities
The Wappingers Central School District and Beacon Schools service the Town of Fishkill. Dutchess Community College offers nearby off-campus sites for classes and St. Mary Mother of the Church is a private school located in Fishkill.
 
Recreational Facilities
The Dutchess Stadium, located in Fishkill, is the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades. The Fishkill Recreation is a growing department, offering something for almost every age group. We have many youth programs. Our summer park programs have been re-organized and the children have a ball! For adults, Fishkill offers golf, an over 55 softball league, and a senior center for those over 60. A Concert in the Park summer series is enjoyed by everyone. We try to foster a sense of community pride and a continuing feeling of contribution to the quality of life in Fishkill. Come and participate in any of our many programs. We should have something for everyone!
 
Houses of Worship
Churches and houses of worship offered in Fishkill include Baptist,Church of the Nazarene,First Reformed, Our Savior Lutheran, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal and United Methodist.