Dutchess County, County in Hudson Valley, New York, United States.
Dutchess County is an administrative unit in the Hudson Valley, New York, stretching between the Hudson River and the Connecticut border. The terrain ranges from riverbanks to rolling hills and forested heights, with Brace Mountain as the highest point.
The administrative unit was established in 1683 and ranked among the first twelve of its kind in the state. The name was chosen to honor Mary of Modena, who held the title Duchess of York at the time.
The name traces back to Mary of Modena, who held the title Duchess of York when the administrative unit was founded. Old place names and family names from Dutch, German, and English settlers still appear on road signs and business names today.
Metro-North Railroad offers a direct rail connection to New York City, while Interstate 84 and the Taconic State Parkway provide the main road links. The area suits day trips and longer stays, with access to hiking trails and riverbanks.
The Wappinger Creek flows through the entire region and forms a sprawling river system that empties into the Hudson. Its watershed covers wide portions of the landscape and shapes the topography between the hills.
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