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Dutchess County, extending from the Hudson River to the Taconic Mountains, stretched originally from Westchester to Albany County. It was formed in 1683 and named for the wife of the Duke of York. Principally a rolling upland, cut by streams and deep valleys, it was divided into large land grants. Dutch settled along the river banks before 1690. In the 18th century the interior was occupied by French Huguenots, German Palatines, and Quakers from Connecticut and Long Island.
Ore deposits in the Taconics, led to small iron works in the 18th century. Shipbuilding flourished in river communities. In the 1830's and '40s, whalers from Poughkeepsie ventured to distant seas. Abundant water power contributed to the growth of textile factories. Twentieth century industries include publishing and manufacture of dairy appliances and business machines. The interior is still a prosperous agricultural area, specializing in fruit, livestock and dairy products.
Poughkeepsie was settled in 1687 and is the county seat. The State Legislature met there several times between 1777 and the 1790's. Vassar College was founded there in 1861. Large estates of wealthy and prominent families, such as those of the Roosevelts, Vanderbilts, and Ogden Mills, have occupied prospects along the Hudson.
Taconic State Parkway, Town of Stanford, Dutchess County New York
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New York 
