Beacon, New York

Beacon, New York
Skyline of Beacon (2007)
Skyline of Beacon (2007)
Flag of Beacon, New York
Official seal of Beacon, New York
Nickname: 
Tree City
Location of Beacon, New York
Location of Beacon, New York
Beacon is located in New York
Beacon
Beacon
Location within the state of New York
Beacon is located in the United States
Beacon
Beacon
Location within the United States
Beacon is located in North America
Beacon
Beacon
Location within North America
Coordinates: 41°30′15″N 73°57′56″W / 41.50417°N 73.96556°W / 41.50417; -73.96556
CountryUnited States
StateNew York
CountyDutchess
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorLee Kyriacou (D)
 • City AdministratorChris White
 • City Council
Members' List
  • At-Large Members:
  • • George Mansfield
  • • Paloma Wake
  • • W1: Molly Rhodes
  • • W2: Justice McCray
  • • W3: Wren Longno
  • • W4: Dan Aymar-Blair
Area
 • Total4.88 sq mi (12.63 km2)
 • Land4.74 sq mi (12.27 km2)
 • Water0.14 sq mi (0.35 km2)
Elevation
138 ft (42 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total13,769
 • Density2,905.47/sq mi (1,121.81/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
12508
Area code845
FIPS code36-05100
GNIS feature ID0977521
Websitebeaconny.gov

Beacon is a city located on the Hudson River in Dutchess County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 13,769. Beacon is part of the Kiryas JoelPoughkeepsieNewburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger New YorkNewarkBridgeport, New York–New JerseyConnecticutPennsylvania Combined Statistical Area.

Beacon was so named to commemorate the historic beacon fires that blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains to alert the Continental Army of British troop movements. Originally an industrial city along the Hudson, Beacon experienced a revival beginning in 2003 with the arrival of Dia Beacon, one of the largest modern art museums in the United States. Recent[when?] growth has generated debates on development and zoning issues.[2]

The area known as Beacon was settled by Europeans as the villages of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing in 1709. They were among the first colonial communities in the county. Beacon is located in the southwestern corner of Dutchess County in the Mid-Hudson Region, approximately 90 miles (140 km) south of Albany, and approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of New York City.

  1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. ^ Dilawar, Arvind (March 1, 2019). "New York City Transplants and a River Town's Natives Fight for Its Soul". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.