With some of the most spectacular views in the US, this is farm country where growth occurred mainly due to 18th c. iron mines and 19th c. railroad expansion.

PINE PLAINS, spreading over 29.8 square miles, is said to be the site of the country’s first Christian congregation of Native Americans, converted by Moravian missionaries ca. 1742. During the 19th c. the hamlet became a major railroad center for local agriculture, industry, and mining. Established as a town in 1823, dairy farming is the main industry and Pine Plains hamlet the principal center. Other centers include Pulvers Corners and Bethel. Stissing Mt. is the most visible landmark.

NORTHEAST was established 1788, its boundaries were established through the Oblong Treaty with Connecticut (1731). A rugged 18th c. turnpike strengthened links to New England, connecting mines to Hudson River transport. Fertile valleys made agriculture the prime industry, but after 1850 Millerton was also a major railroad junction for 3 northeastern lines. Farming is still the major industry, although the area is recognized for its beauty, history and climate. The Village of Millerton is the main population center; town centers include Shekomeko, Coleman Station and Northeast.

WASHINGTON is the largest Dutchess town at 61.47 square miles, established 1788. Named to honor Gen. George Washington, it is believed Revolutionary troops encamped under a huge cottonwood tree near Washington Hollow during the war. By 1900 New England Quakers organized meetings and schools here, with town streams supplying power for local mills. Rolling hills attracted the wealthy and prominent to build estates and encouraged tourism. Fertile soils and the breeding of horses and Aberdeen Angus cattle make it an agricultural center. The Village of Millbrook, a 19th c. railroad center, is now the hub, and other hamlets are South Millbrook, Lithgow, Little Rest, Washington Hollow and Mabbettsville.

STANFORD celebrated its bicentennial in 1993 and includes the beautiful foothills of the Fishkill Range. Measuring 50.1 square miles, farming is its oldest industry, with area streams powering a number of small mills during the 1800s. Tourism has contributed to the economy, attracting visitors to wineries, farm markets and ranches. The Chauncey Stillman Estate “Wethersfield” opened its grounds and art collection to the public in the 1990s. The linear hamlet of Stanfordville was a railroad center in the 19th c. Hunn’s Lake and Bangall are also hamlets.