Beacon, New York
Encyclopedia
Beacon is a city located in Dutchess County, New York
, United States
. The 2010 census placed the city total population at 15,541. Beacon is part of the Poughkeepsie
–Newburgh
–Middletown
, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area
as well as the larger New York
–Newark
–Bridgeport
, NY-NJ
-CT
-PA
Combined Statistical Area
. It was named to commemorate the historic beacon fires that blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains to alert the Continental Army
about British troop movements.
Beacon is located in the southwest corner of Dutchess County, in the fast growing Mid-Hudson Region. It is also located approximately 90 miles (144.8 km) south of Albany
.
as a city in 1913, amalgamating the two villages as well as a small portion of the hamlet of Glenham from the town of Fishkill
.
The city served a variety of roles during the Revolutionary War. It manufactured war supplies, and served as a fort and signaling point. The city's name came from signal fires that were atop nearby Beacon Mountain. During the 1800s, the city became a factory town and was known as "The Hat Making Capital of the US" with nearly 500 hat factories operating at one time.
During the 1960s, urban renewal led to the destruction of some significant historic buildings. In the late 1970s, the Dutchess Ski area, which had been a large tourist attraction, was closed. Also in the 1970s, a decline in the economy shuttered most of the factories. This decline quickly became a severe and ongoing economic downturn that lasted from about 1970 to the late 1990s, during which almost 80 percent of the city's commercial business spaces and factories were vacant.
Starting in the late 1990s, with the opening of one of the world's largest contemporary art museums Dia: Beacon, Beacon began to an artistic and commercial rebirth. New development continues to enlarge the city. Currently, the two largest planned projects are a waterfront hotel and conference center, and "The Rivers and Estuaries Center" on Dennings Point.
Beacon is home to one of at least three operating "dummy-lights" in the United States, located at the intersection of Main and East Main Streets. It is a traffic signal
on a pedestal which sits in the middle of an intersection, dating back to the 1920s. The other two are also located in New York State, in Canajoharie
and Croton-on-Hudson
.
was one of the steepest incline railways in existence (a 74% grade). It took an estimated 3.5 million people up to the 1540 feet (469.4 m) summit of Mount Beacon. Fire and vandalism destroyed the incline railway. There is now a movement to restore it.
, due to total snow accumulations in excess of three feet. The city was without electricity
and gas
services for over two days.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²), of which 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) is water. The total area is 2.25% water.
Located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River
, Beacon is noted for its proximity to numerous historic sites and large cities. It is located minutes away from Bannerman's Castle and West Point
. Beacon also sits with the famous Mount Beacon as its backdrop and the Hudson River
as its front door. The city also is located across the river from its larger sister city, Newburgh. Beacon is just 20 minutes south of the Hudson Valley
Region Capital City, Poughkeepsie
. In addition, Danbury, Connecticut
is located to the east and New York City is to the south.
The city includes the following neighborhoods:
Main Neighborhoods
Secondary Neighborhoods
of 2000 placed the city's population at 13,808 people. The census also showed that the city has 5,091 households and 3,360 families residing in the city. The population density
is 2,891.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,115.3/km²), based on the census population of 13,808. There are 5,406 housing units at an average density of 1,132.1 per square mile (436.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 9,440 or 68.37% White and 4,368 or 31.63% Minority. The minority population is dominated by African Americans at 2,713 residents or 19.65%, then followed by Hispanic or Latino which make up 2,334 residents or 16.90% of the city. Smaller minority groups include 956 residents or 6.92% from other races, 181 residents or 1.31% Asian, 43 residents or 0.31% Native American, and 0.00% Pacific Islander. Also, the city includes 475 residents or 3.44% identifying themselves as two or more races.
Based on census data showing 5,091 households, 34.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% are married couples
living together, 16.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% are non-families. 28.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.61 and the average family size is 3.23.
Of the city's total population, 27.1% are under the age of 18, 7.1% are between 18 to 24, 31.9% are between 25 to 44, 21.7% are between 45 to 64, and 12.2% are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $45,236, and the median income for a family is $53,811. Males have a median income of $40,949 versus $29,154 for females. The per capita income
for the city is $20,654. 1,465 residents or 11% of the population and 310 families or 9.1% of the total number of families are living below the poverty line. Of the total population, 834 residents or 11% of those under the age of 18 and 99 residents or 8.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. The city's housing stock is currently composed of 10% subsidized housing, of which about 400 units are state and federal housing projects.
. All calls for police are routed to the City of Beacon Police who dispatch their vehicles to the call. All calls for fire or medical assistance are dispatched by the County Department of Emergency Response. The City of Beacon Fire Department is a combination Paid and Volunteer Department that provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical first response for the city. Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
is a combination paid and volunteer agency that provides Advanced Life Support
medical care within the city.
, which passes through the city's north side, providing a connection that is minutes to the Taconic State Parkway
, New York State Thruway
, and Stewart International Airport
. The city also has the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
which carries the interstate over the Hudson River
.
NY Route 9D
serves as the city's north-south arterial. It starts at the city's north side and wraps around the city to its south side. The city also has NY 52 Business
that runs down the middle of the city and begins in the city's west side at Route 9D
Commuter service to New York City
is available via the MTA Beacon Train Station
, served by Metro-North Railroad
.
Beacon is also serviced weekdays by a commuter ferry, The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry
, over the Hudson between both cities to help alleviate traffic to the Beacon Train Station from Orange County commuters. The ferry's route runs between Beacon City Harbor and Newburgh City Waterfront.
In nearby Wappingers Falls, the Dutchess County Airport
services local commuter flights. The nearest major airport to Beacon is Stewart International Airport
about 10 minutes away, in Newburgh
.
Municipal bus service is provided by the county's Dutchess County LOOP Bus System, which provides commuter service throughout the county. Its main line from Beacon travels from Main & NY Route 9D
up Route 9D to the Poughkeepsie Galleria
and South Hills Mall
in the Town Of Poughkeepsie.
Beacon is home to the Hudson Valley Hawks
, which is a team in the newly formed National Professional Basketball League
. The team's home court is at Beacon High School.
The Hudson Valley Renegades
are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays
. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League
, and play at Dutchess Stadium
in nearby Fishkill
.
The Hudson Valley Bears
are one of four founding members of the Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
. They play their home games at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center
in nearby Poughkeepsie
.
The Hudson Valley Highlanders of the North American Football League play their home games at Dietz Stadium
in nearby Kingston
.
Dutchess County, New York
Dutchess County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, in the state's Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley. The 2010 census lists the population as 297,488...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The 2010 census placed the city total population at 15,541. Beacon is part of the Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie (city), New York
Poughkeepsie is a city in the state of New York, United States, which serves as the county seat of Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is located in the Hudson River Valley midway between New York City and Albany...
–Newburgh
Newburgh (city), New York
Newburgh is a city located in Orange County, New York, United States, north of New York City, and south of Albany, on the Hudson River. Newburgh is a principal city of the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area, which includes all of Dutchess and Orange counties. The Newburgh area was...
–Middletown
Middletown, Orange County, New York
Middletown is a city in Orange County, New York, United States. It lies in New York's Hudson Valley region, near the Wallkill River and the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains. Middletown is situated between Port Jervis and Newburgh, New York. The city's population was 25,388 at the 2000 census...
, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area
Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area
The Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties in New York's Hudson Valley, with the cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Middletown, and the Arlington census-designated place as...
as well as the larger New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
–Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
–Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
, NY-NJ
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
-CT
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
-PA
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
Combined Statistical Area
New York metropolitan area
The New York metropolitan area, also known as Greater New York, or the Tri-State area, is the region that composes of New York City and the surrounding region...
. It was named to commemorate the historic beacon fires that blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains to alert the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
about British troop movements.
Beacon is located in the southwest corner of Dutchess County, in the fast growing Mid-Hudson Region. It is also located approximately 90 miles (144.8 km) south of Albany
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
.
History
The area occupied as Beacon was originally settled as the villages of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing in 1709, which were among the first communities in the state. Beacon incorporatedMunicipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
as a city in 1913, amalgamating the two villages as well as a small portion of the hamlet of Glenham from the town of Fishkill
Fishkill (town), New York
Fishkill is an affluent suburban town in the southwest part of Dutchess County, New York, USA. The population was 20,258 at the 2000 census, however, current estimates put the town's population at over 22,100. Fishkill partly surrounds the city of Beacon....
.
The city served a variety of roles during the Revolutionary War. It manufactured war supplies, and served as a fort and signaling point. The city's name came from signal fires that were atop nearby Beacon Mountain. During the 1800s, the city became a factory town and was known as "The Hat Making Capital of the US" with nearly 500 hat factories operating at one time.
During the 1960s, urban renewal led to the destruction of some significant historic buildings. In the late 1970s, the Dutchess Ski area, which had been a large tourist attraction, was closed. Also in the 1970s, a decline in the economy shuttered most of the factories. This decline quickly became a severe and ongoing economic downturn that lasted from about 1970 to the late 1990s, during which almost 80 percent of the city's commercial business spaces and factories were vacant.
Starting in the late 1990s, with the opening of one of the world's largest contemporary art museums Dia: Beacon, Beacon began to an artistic and commercial rebirth. New development continues to enlarge the city. Currently, the two largest planned projects are a waterfront hotel and conference center, and "The Rivers and Estuaries Center" on Dennings Point.
Beacon is home to one of at least three operating "dummy-lights" in the United States, located at the intersection of Main and East Main Streets. It is a traffic signal
Traffic light
Traffic lights, which may also be known as stoplights, traffic lamps, traffic signals, signal lights, robots or semaphore, are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control competing flows of traffic...
on a pedestal which sits in the middle of an intersection, dating back to the 1920s. The other two are also located in New York State, in Canajoharie
Canajoharie, New York
Canajoharie, New York may refer to:* Canajoharie , New York* Canajoharie , New York...
and Croton-on-Hudson
Croton-on-Hudson, New York
Croton-on-Hudson is a village in Westchester County, New York, United States. The population was 8,070 at the 2010 census. It is located in the town of Cortlandt, in New York City's northern suburbs...
.
The Mount Beacon Incline Railway
From 1902 to 1978, the Mount Beacon Incline RailwayMount Beacon Incline Railway
The Mount Beacon Incline Railway was a popular tourist attraction in Beacon, New York, USA, and the neighboring Town of Fishkill. It operated for much of the 20th century, providing sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and efforts continue to restore it today....
was one of the steepest incline railways in existence (a 74% grade). It took an estimated 3.5 million people up to the 1540 feet (469.4 m) summit of Mount Beacon. Fire and vandalism destroyed the incline railway. There is now a movement to restore it.
Blizzard of 2010
Beginning on February 24, 2010, a massive snowstorm affected the city and surroundings. On February 25 Mayor Steve Gold enacted a State Of EmergencyState of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
, due to total snow accumulations in excess of three feet. The city was without electricity
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
and gas
Gas
Gas is one of the three classical states of matter . Near absolute zero, a substance exists as a solid. As heat is added to this substance it melts into a liquid at its melting point , boils into a gas at its boiling point, and if heated high enough would enter a plasma state in which the electrons...
services for over two days.
Geography
Beacon is located at 41°30'15" North, 73°57'56" West (41.504243, -73.965576).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 4.9 square miles (12.7 km²), of which 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) is water. The total area is 2.25% water.
Located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
, Beacon is noted for its proximity to numerous historic sites and large cities. It is located minutes away from Bannerman's Castle and West Point
West Point, New York
West Point is a federal military reservation established by President of the United States Thomas Jefferson in 1802. It is a census-designated place located in Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 7,138 at the 2000 census...
. Beacon also sits with the famous Mount Beacon as its backdrop and the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
as its front door. The city also is located across the river from its larger sister city, Newburgh. Beacon is just 20 minutes south of the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley comprises the valley of the Hudson River and its adjacent communities in New York State, United States, from northern Westchester County northward to the cities of Albany and Troy.-History:...
Region Capital City, Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie (city), New York
Poughkeepsie is a city in the state of New York, United States, which serves as the county seat of Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is located in the Hudson River Valley midway between New York City and Albany...
. In addition, Danbury, Connecticut
Danbury, Connecticut
Danbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It had population at the 2010 census of 80,893. Danbury is the fourth largest city in Fairfield County and is the seventh largest city in Connecticut....
is located to the east and New York City is to the south.
The city includes the following neighborhoods:
Main Neighborhoods
- River Side Section
- Mountain Side Section
Secondary Neighborhoods
- North Tree Streets
- South Tree Streets
- Groveville
- Business District (Main Street Area) - revitalized over the last decade with artists studios, shops and restaurants
- "Davies" or "The Apartments" (Section of City with a Concentrated Area of Public Housing on South Ave)
- "Forrestal Heights" - This also is partially populated by elderly fixed income persons in the two high rise buildings in the complex and welfare recipients in the one story apartments in the surrounding neighborhood.
- "The Derk" (Neighborhood East of Fishkill Creek along E. Main, centered around Beacon Engine Company #1)
Demographics
Although the city's population is estimated to be about 16,000 people, the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000 placed the city's population at 13,808 people. The census also showed that the city has 5,091 households and 3,360 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
is 2,891.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,115.3/km²), based on the census population of 13,808. There are 5,406 housing units at an average density of 1,132.1 per square mile (436.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 9,440 or 68.37% White and 4,368 or 31.63% Minority. The minority population is dominated by African Americans at 2,713 residents or 19.65%, then followed by Hispanic or Latino which make up 2,334 residents or 16.90% of the city. Smaller minority groups include 956 residents or 6.92% from other races, 181 residents or 1.31% Asian, 43 residents or 0.31% Native American, and 0.00% Pacific Islander. Also, the city includes 475 residents or 3.44% identifying themselves as two or more races.
Based on census data showing 5,091 households, 34.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% are married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% are non-families. 28.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.61 and the average family size is 3.23.
Of the city's total population, 27.1% are under the age of 18, 7.1% are between 18 to 24, 31.9% are between 25 to 44, 21.7% are between 45 to 64, and 12.2% are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $45,236, and the median income for a family is $53,811. Males have a median income of $40,949 versus $29,154 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city is $20,654. 1,465 residents or 11% of the population and 310 families or 9.1% of the total number of families are living below the poverty line. Of the total population, 834 residents or 11% of those under the age of 18 and 99 residents or 8.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. The city's housing stock is currently composed of 10% subsidized housing, of which about 400 units are state and federal housing projects.
Government
Beacon is governed via the mayor-council system. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The city council consists of six members. Two are elected at-large. The other four are elected from one of four wards.Emergency Response
The City of Beacon participates in the Dutchess County Department of Emergency ResponseDutchess County Department Of Emergency Response
The Dutchess County Department Of Emergency Response has the responsibility of governing Emergency operations in Dutchess County, New York. This encompasses Police, Fire and EMS.-Dispatch System:...
. All calls for police are routed to the City of Beacon Police who dispatch their vehicles to the call. All calls for fire or medical assistance are dispatched by the County Department of Emergency Response. The City of Beacon Fire Department is a combination Paid and Volunteer Department that provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical first response for the city. Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support ambulance services in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Beacon Volunteer operates ambulances staffed by emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Beacon Volunteer currently covers the City of Beacon...
is a combination paid and volunteer agency that provides Advanced Life Support
Advanced Life Support
Advanced Life Support is a set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend Basic Life Support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation .-Components of ALS:These include:...
medical care within the city.
Professional sports
- Hudson Valley RenegadesHudson Valley RenegadesThe Hudson Valley Renegades are a minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League, a Class A Short Season league. The Renegades play at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY....
- Class A Minor League Baseball Team for the Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. Team plays out of Dutchess StadiumDutchess StadiumDutchess Stadium is a stadium in Fishkill, New York. It opened in 1994 and holds 4,500 people. It is located on New York State Route 9D.It is primarily used for baseball, as the home field of the Hudson Valley Renegades minor league baseball team. The Renegades are the rookie-level team of the...
located in neighboring FishkillFishkill (town), New YorkFishkill is an affluent suburban town in the southwest part of Dutchess County, New York, USA. The population was 20,258 at the 2000 census, however, current estimates put the town's population at over 22,100. Fishkill partly surrounds the city of Beacon....
. (3-5 Minutes North of City) - Hudson Valley HawksHudson Valley HawksThe Hudson Valley Hawks are a professional basketball team in the National Professional Basketball League based in Beacon, New York. The Hawks play at Beacon High School....
- semi-professional basketball of the National Professional Basketball LeagueNational Professional Basketball LeagueNational Professional Basketball League was a pro basketball league in the USA in . The league played just one season, with no championship finals ever being staged. Grand Rapids, Kansas City, Louisville and Saint Paul all disbanded during the season; Denver moved to Evansville...
team plays at Beacon High School. (In City)
Museums and institutes
- Dia:BeaconDia:BeaconDia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries is the museum for the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present. The museum, which opened in 2003, is situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Dia:Beacon occupies a former Nabisco box-printing facility that was renovated...
- Contemporary Arts Museum. (In City) - The Beacon Institute of Rivers and Estuaries - A major river and estuary research institute. (In City)
Historic sites
- Madam Brett HomesteadMadam Brett HomesteadThe Madame Brett Homestead is an early 18th-century home located in the city of Beacon, New York, USA. It is the oldest standing building in its part of Dutchess County and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.-History:...
— 50 Van Nydeck Avenue — the oldest building in Dutchess County, the home was owned and occupied by one family for seven generations and is on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. - Lower Main Street Historic DistrictLower Main Street Historic DistrictThe Lower Main Street Historic District is the first several blocks of Main Street east of its intersection with South Street, the end of its concurrency with NY 9D...
— The first several blocks of Main Street east of its junction with South Avenue feature many small businesses located in vintage ItalianateItalianate architectureThe Italianate style of architecture was a distinct 19th-century phase in the history of Classical architecture. In the Italianate style, the models and architectural vocabulary of 16th-century Italian Renaissance architecture, which had served as inspiration for both Palladianism and...
-styleArchitectural styleArchitectural styles classify architecture in terms of the use of form, techniques, materials, time period, region and other stylistic influences. It overlaps with, and emerges from the study of the evolution and history of architecture...
buildings.
Parks
- Forrestal Park - connected to Forrestal Elementary on Liberty Street this large playground with a basketball court is a long time favorite with locals. (in city)
- Green Street Park - A neighborhood park located in the Mountain Side Section of the city (In city)
- Hammond Field - A neighborhood park located in the River Side Section of the City that is primarily used for the city school district functions. Is the home of the "Beacon Bulldogs" Track and Football venues. (In city)
- Hudson Highlands State ParkHudson HighlandsThe Hudson Highlands are mountains on both sides of the Hudson River in the U.S. state of New York, between Newburgh Bay and Haverstraw Bay, which form the northern region of the New York - New Jersey Highlands....
- The state park located behind and just south of the city. A very large state park that covers Mount Beacon. (1–3 minutes east and south of city) - Memorial Park - Located in the center of the city and serves as the city's "Central Park". It is the city's primary park and many civic events are hosted there. (In city)
- Riverfront Park - The City's riverfront park, which is located on a peninsula jutting out into the Hudson RiverHudson RiverThe Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
. A very active park that hosts numerous events. (In city) - South Ave Park - A housing project park for the Forrestal Heights Houses. Primarily used for the Beacon Hoops program, a city youth basketball program. (In city)
Clubs
- Beacon Sloop Club - Started in 1978 to promote recreation, sound ecological practices, and environmental awareness of the Hudson River. The BSC offers free rides to the public on the Sloop Woody GuthrieSloop Woody GuthrieThe Sloop Woody Guthrie is a sailing vessel ordered built by Pete Seeger in 1978 for the Beacon Sloop Club. It helps support the mission of a larger sloop, The Clearwater, in educating people about the Hudson River...
, teaches seamanship to its volunteers, and maintains the harbor.
Transportation
Beacon's most major route is Interstate 84Interstate 84 in New York
Interstate 84 is a part of the Interstate Highway System that runs from Dunmore, Pennsylvania, to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, in the Eastern United States. In New York, I-84 extends from the Pennsylvania state line at Port Jervis to the Connecticut state line east of Brewster...
, which passes through the city's north side, providing a connection that is minutes to the Taconic State Parkway
Taconic State Parkway
The Taconic State Parkway , is a divided highway between Kensico Dam and Chatham, the longest parkway in the U.S. state of New York. It follows a generally northward route midway between the Hudson River and the Connecticut and Massachusetts state lines...
, New York State Thruway
New York State Thruway
The New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways located within the state of New York in the United States. The system, known officially as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway for former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority and...
, and Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh, New York and over north of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The airport is located in the Town of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor."." U.S. Census Bureau...
. The city also has the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
The Newburgh–Beacon Bridge, is a cantilever toll bridge that spans the Hudson River in New York State carrying NY 52 and Interstate 84 between Newburgh and Beacon...
which carries the interstate over the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
.
NY Route 9D
New York State Route 9D
New York State Route 9D , also known as the Bear Mountain – Beacon Highway, is a north–south state highway that runs along the eastern shore of the Hudson River in New York in the United States. It starts at the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge at U.S...
serves as the city's north-south arterial. It starts at the city's north side and wraps around the city to its south side. The city also has NY 52 Business
New York State Route 52
New York State Route 52 is a long state highway in the southeastern part of New York in the United States. It generally runs from west to east, beginning at the Pennsylvania state line in the Delaware River near Narrowsburg, crossing the Hudson River on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, and ending...
that runs down the middle of the city and begins in the city's west side at Route 9D
Commuter service to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
is available via the MTA Beacon Train Station
Beacon (Metro-North station)
Beacon is a Metro-North Railroad station that serves the residents of Beacon, New York, via the Hudson Line. Trains leave for New York City every hour during off peak hours, and about every 15–25 minutes during rush hour...
, served by Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North Commuter Railroad , trading as MTA Metro-North Railroad, or, more commonly, Metro-North, is a suburban commuter rail service that is run and managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority , an authority of New York State. It is the busiest commuter railroad in the United...
.
Beacon is also serviced weekdays by a commuter ferry, The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry
Newburgh-Beacon Ferry
The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry is a ferry service crossing the Hudson River that connects Newburgh with Beacon New York.It carries passengers between the two cities during rush hour, primarily transporting commuters from the west side of the river at Newburgh to the commuter train station on the east...
, over the Hudson between both cities to help alleviate traffic to the Beacon Train Station from Orange County commuters. The ferry's route runs between Beacon City Harbor and Newburgh City Waterfront.
In nearby Wappingers Falls, the Dutchess County Airport
Dutchess County Airport
Dutchess County Airport is a county-owned public-use airport located on State Route 376 in the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York, United States, four miles south of the central business district of Poughkeepsie. It is sometimes called Poughkeepsie Airport, which gives it the code POU...
services local commuter flights. The nearest major airport to Beacon is Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh, New York and over north of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The airport is located in the Town of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor."." U.S. Census Bureau...
about 10 minutes away, in Newburgh
Newburgh
-Places:Scotland*Newburgh, Fife, a former royal burgh*Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, a village*Newburgh, Borders, a village*Newburgh, Moray, a village*Newburgh, Orkney, a villageEngland*Newburgh, Lancashire, a village*Newburgh, North Yorkshire, a village...
.
Municipal bus service is provided by the county's Dutchess County LOOP Bus System, which provides commuter service throughout the county. Its main line from Beacon travels from Main & NY Route 9D
New York State Route 9D
New York State Route 9D , also known as the Bear Mountain – Beacon Highway, is a north–south state highway that runs along the eastern shore of the Hudson River in New York in the United States. It starts at the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge at U.S...
up Route 9D to the Poughkeepsie Galleria
Poughkeepsie Galleria
The Poughkeepsie Galleria is a shopping mall on U.S. 9 in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York, not far from Wappingers Falls, and is the biggest mall in New York's Hudson Valley region. The mall, which opened in 1987 after much controversy regarding its construction, has an area of with two floors...
and South Hills Mall
South Hills Mall
South Hills Mall was an indoor shopping mall on U.S. 9 in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. The 675,000 ft² plaza opened in 1974 and included four stores, a small food court, and an eight-screen second-run cinema...
in the Town Of Poughkeepsie.
Sports
The Hudson Valley Rebels is a Rugby Team that has been around for 6 years for the Women's team and 9 years for the Men's team. The club practices beginning mid-March at the Beacon Memorial Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm. All are welcome to come join, 18 or older, no experience is necessary. Visit our website: www.hvrugby.com.Beacon is home to the Hudson Valley Hawks
Hudson Valley Hawks
The Hudson Valley Hawks are a professional basketball team in the National Professional Basketball League based in Beacon, New York. The Hawks play at Beacon High School....
, which is a team in the newly formed National Professional Basketball League
National Professional Basketball League (2007-)
The National Professional Basketball League, often abbreviated to the NPBL, was an American men's professional basketball minor league featuring teams from the East Coast of the United States which played for two seasons....
. The team's home court is at Beacon High School.
The Hudson Valley Renegades
Hudson Valley Renegades
The Hudson Valley Renegades are a minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League, a Class A Short Season league. The Renegades play at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, NY....
are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. The team is a member of the New York - Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
, and play at Dutchess Stadium
Dutchess Stadium
Dutchess Stadium is a stadium in Fishkill, New York. It opened in 1994 and holds 4,500 people. It is located on New York State Route 9D.It is primarily used for baseball, as the home field of the Hudson Valley Renegades minor league baseball team. The Renegades are the rookie-level team of the...
in nearby Fishkill
Fishkill, New York
Fishkill is an upscale village within the much larger town, Town of Fishkill, one of the fastest growing towns in the region, in Dutchess County, New York, USA. The village population was 1,735 at the 2000 census...
.
The Hudson Valley Bears
Hudson Valley Bears
The Hudson Valley Bears were an ice hockey team in the Eastern Professional Hockey League. They split their home games between the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York and the in Newburgh, New York.-2008-2009:...
are one of four founding members of the Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Eastern Professional Hockey League (2008)
The Eastern Professional Hockey League was a low-level professional ice hockey league. The league was developed by Curtis Russell, Tim Kolpien, Igor Mrotchek, and Jim Riggs, the former commissioner of the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League in 2007....
. They play their home games at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center
Mid-Hudson Civic Center
The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is a venue in Poughkeepsie, NY, USA consisting of Mair Hall and the McCann Ice Arena . It was built in the 1970s as part of the general attempt at rehabilitation of the central district of the City of Poughkeepsie...
in nearby Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie (city), New York
Poughkeepsie is a city in the state of New York, United States, which serves as the county seat of Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is located in the Hudson River Valley midway between New York City and Albany...
.
The Hudson Valley Highlanders of the North American Football League play their home games at Dietz Stadium
Dietz Stadium
Robert Dietz Memorial Stadium is a football stadium in Kingston, New York. Dietz Stadium is the home field of the Kingston High School Tigers football team. It is named for Robert H. Dietz, a medal-of-honor recipient killed in World War II...
in nearby Kingston
Kingston, New York
Kingston is a city in and the county seat of Ulster County, New York, USA. It is north of New York City and south of Albany. It became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British Oct. 16, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga...
.
Born and raised
- Melio BettinaMelio BettinaMelio Bettina was a professional boxer.-Amateur career:Bettina won the 1935 Intercity Golden Gloves at light-heavyweight by decision over Tony Zale.-Pro career:...
, World Light Heavyweight Champion Boxer in 1939. A small street in the city's center is named in his honor. - Wallace E. ConklingWallace E. ConklingWallace Edmonds Conkling was the seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and served from 1941 to 1953. He was born October 25, 1896, in Matteawan, now part of Beacon, New York...
, (1896–1979), 7th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of ChicagoEpiscopal Diocese of ChicagoThe Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is the official organization of the Episcopal Church in Chicago and Northern Illinois, USA. The diocese is served by The Right Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee, who serves as Bishop of the diocese, and The Right Reverend Victor A. Scantlebury, who serves as Assistant Bishop...
, was born October 25, 1896, in Matteawan, now part of Beacon and grew up there. - James ForrestalJames ForrestalJames Vincent Forrestal was the last Cabinet-level United States Secretary of the Navy and the first United States Secretary of Defense....
, Secretary of the Navy 1944-1947 and Secretary of Defense from 1947-1949. One of the city's four elementary schools and one of its federal housing projects is named in his honor. - Robert MontgomeryRobert Montgomery (actor)Robert Montgomery was an American actor and director.- Early life :Montgomery was born Henry Montgomery, Jr. in Beacon, New York, then known as "Fishkill Landing", the son of Mary Weed and Henry Montgomery, Sr. His early childhood was one of privilege, since his father was president of the New...
, famous actor who served as head of the Screen Actors GuildScreen Actors GuildThe Screen Actors Guild is an American labor union representing over 200,000 film and television principal performers and background performers worldwide...
in 1935 and 1946. He also was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII. - Digger PhelpsDigger PhelpsRichard "Digger" Phelps is a former American college basketball coach, most notably of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team from 1971 to 1991. Since 1993, he has served as an analyst on ESPN.-Career:...
, head basketball coach at Notre DameUniversity of Notre DameThe University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
(1972–91), won more games (393) than any coach in Irish history. Coached junior varsity basketball in Beacon before moving away. A small street off west Main Street is named in his honor.
Residents at one time
- William FewWilliam FewWilliam Few, Jr. was an American politician and a farmer, and a businessman and a Founding Father of the United States. William represented the U.S. state of Georgia at the Constitutional Convention....
, a Founding Father of the United StatesFounding Fathers of the United StatesThe Founding Fathers of the United States of America were political leaders and statesmen who participated in the American Revolution by signing the United States Declaration of Independence, taking part in the American Revolutionary War, establishing the United States Constitution, or by some... - Helen HayesHelen HayesHelen Hayes Brown was an American actress whose career spanned almost 70 years. She eventually garnered the nickname "First Lady of the American Theatre" and was one of twelve people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award...
, famous actress who won the Academy Award for her performances in The Sin of Madelon ClaudetThe Sin of Madelon ClaudetThe Sin of Madelon Claudet is a 1931 American drama film directed by Edgar Selwyn and starring Helen Hayes. The screenplay by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht was adapted from the play The Lullaby by Edward Knoblock...
(1931) and AirportAirportAn airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
(1970). - Joseph HowlandJoseph HowlandJoseph Howland was an American Union Army general, politician and philanthropist.-Early life:...
, civil war general and philanthropist. - Bruce MolskyBruce MolskyBruce C. Molsky is an American fiddler, banjo player, guitarist, and singer. He primarily performs old-time music of the Appalachian region.Molsky was born in 1955 at New York Infirmary in Manhattan, and grew up in The Bronx...
, old-time fiddler, guitarist, and singer. - Clifford ShullClifford ShullClifford Glenwood Shull was a Nobel Prize-winning American physicist.-Biography:...
, Nobel PrizeNobel PrizeThe Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
winning AmericanUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
physicistPhysicistA physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena in many branches of physics spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made to the behavior of the material Universe as a whole...
. - Elmer SteeleElmer SteeleElmer Rae Steele was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched from 1907-1911.-External links:...
, Major League Baseball player who played for Boston, Pittsburgh, and Brooklyn from 1907 to 1911 as a pitcher. Most notable in the Hudson Valley for earning a 244-5 semi-pro record and becoming a phenom that had a short career of 5 years in the majors due to a career ending arm injury. - Pete SeegerPete SeegerPeter "Pete" Seeger is an American folk singer and was an iconic figure in the mid-twentieth century American folk music revival. A fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s, he also had a string of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of The Weavers, most notably their recording of Lead...
, folk singer, political and social activist. - Joseph BertolozziJoseph BertolozziJoseph Bertolozzi is an American composer and musician with works ranging from full symphony orchestra to solo gongs to suspension bridge...
, composer, musician, and creator of the Bridge MusicBridge MusicBridge Music is a public sound art installation. Additionally, there is an album of the same name featuring music from this installation.- History :...
project, is a resident of Beacon. - Doug and Mike StarnDoug and Mike StarnDoug and Mike Starn are American artists and identical twin brothers who produce their works of art as a team.The Starn brothers grew up in New Jersey and attended School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, graduating in 1984. They continued to live in Boston until 1989, when they moved to New...
- David Rees (cartoonist)David Rees (cartoonist)David Thomas Rees is a left-wing cartoonist and humorist whose best-known work combines bland clip art with outrageous "trash talk" to incongruous effect...
, cartoonist and humorist.
Major motion pictures
- War of the Worlds (2005)War of the Worlds (2005 film)War of the Worlds is a 2005 American science fiction film adaptation of H. G. Wells' novel of the same name, directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Josh Friedman and David Koepp. It is one of three film adaptations of War of the Worlds released that year, alongside The Asylum's version and...
- The movie's production studio, Paramount, stated that a scene was shot in the city during its 2004 filming, which was confirmed via the IMDb Movie Database.
- Drowning MonaDrowning MonaDrowning Mona is a 2000 comedy-mystery film starring Danny DeVito as Wyatt Rash, a local police chief from Verplanck, New York, who investigates the mysterious death of Mona Dearly, a spiteful, loud-mouthed, cruel and highly unpopular woman, who drove her son's car off a cliff and drowned in a...
- The movie's production studio, Code Entertainment, claims that the movie was based and partially filmed in the city during its 1999 filming. Confirmed via the IMDb Movie Database that the movie was based in the city and scenes were shot in the city.
- Super TroopersSuper TroopersSuper Troopers is a 2001 crime-comedy film directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, written by and starring the Broken Lizard comedy group . Marisa Coughlan, Daniel von Bargen and Brian Cox co-star while Lynda Carter has a cameo appearance...
- Film was based in the city and the "Town Cop" scenes as well as most of the inside scenes were filmed in the city in 1999. Started out as an underground film and then became a very popular "teen comedy" movie.
- Nobody's Fool - Filmed largely in the home of the Schneider family. Many other scenes were filmed in the city in 1994, most notably three or four scenes that showed Main Street's "Main St., USA" appeal. The movie featured an all-star cast with Paul Newman and Bruce Willis. It was also Jessica Tandy's last film.
Short-length black-and-white films
- The Red Man's View - A cowboy and Indian movie filmed entirely on Mt. Beacon in 1909.
- Down the Mountainside, Turning Panorama of Mt Beacon, A Stern Chase, and Down the Mountainside - A release of the 1902 B&W short films of views from the "World's Steepest Incline Railway", Mt. Beacon's Incline Railway.
See also
- Beacon City SchoolsBeacon City SchoolsThe Beacon City School District is one of thirteen public school districts serving residents of Dutchess County, New York. The Beacon City School District serves the City of Beacon and parts of the Town of Fishkill and Town of Wappinger; it is one of 57 small city school districts in New York State...
- Beacon Correctional FacilityBeacon Correctional FacilityBeacon Correctional Facility is a female minimum security state prison, located in Beacon, New York. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of unknown and employs a staff of approximately 1 to 4....
- Sloop Woody GuthrieSloop Woody GuthrieThe Sloop Woody Guthrie is a sailing vessel ordered built by Pete Seeger in 1978 for the Beacon Sloop Club. It helps support the mission of a larger sloop, The Clearwater, in educating people about the Hudson River...