Beacon

Beacon is a city in Dutchess County on the eastern bank of the Hudson River in New York State. Mount Beacon rises behind the city buildings and shapes the landscape with its forested summit.

During the American Revolution, signal fires on the nearby mountains served as a warning system for the Continental Army. The city later developed into an industrial center until many factories closed in the 20th century.

The name comes from signal fires that burned on the mountains during the American Revolution to warn troops of British movements. The former industrial site of the Nabisco factory now serves as an art museum, displaying contemporary works in spacious halls.

From the train station in town, trains run regularly to Manhattan with a travel time of about 80 minutes. The main street with shops and restaurants is just a short walk from the station building.

The summit of Mount Beacon can be reached via a steep hiking trail and offers wide views over the valley. The remains of an old funicular railway are still visible in the forest along the path.

Location: Dutchess County

Elevation above the sea: 42 m

Website: http://cityofbeacon.org

GPS coordinates: 41.50417,-73.96556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:49