Welcome to the Town of Poughkeepsie

Nestled on the east bank of the scenic Hudson River, Poughkeepsie is home to over 45,000 people.  Vassar College, Marist College and Dutchess Community College are all located within the town.  Along with these prestigious institutes of higher learning, we are also proud to have Locust Grove, the former home of Samuel Morse, as well as many other buildings and sites of similar historical significance.

“Poughkeepsie” derives its name from a spring where Indians once gathered to weave lodges from the abundant cattail reeds.  These native Americans called their meeting place “Uppuqui” (oo-poo-kee) meaning “lodge-covered”, plus “ipis” meaning “little water”, plus “ing” meaning “place”, all of which translated to “the reed-covered lodge by the little water place”, or “Uppuqui-ipis-ing”.  This later evolved into “Apokeepsing”, then into “Poughkeepsing” and, finally, “Poughkeepsie”.

Our Town Board is composed of a Supervisor and six Councilpersons, one representing each ward.  Town business is conducted at Town Board meetings that are held on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, and Committee of the Whole meetings that are held on the second Wednesday of every month.  All meetings convene at 7:00PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room at One Overocker Road.  They are open to all, and we strongly encourage public participation.

Poughkeepsie is a town with “something for everyone”, rich in culture and steeped in history.  Our twenty-two parks offer a diverse blend of recreational activities for all ages, and fine dining experiences abound.

Please browse our site for helpful information on upcoming activities, legislation, or to contact any of our departments.

Pat Myers
Supervisor, Town of Poughkeepsie