Beekman



  

History


Beekman is named after Henry Beekman, a native from Kingston. Beekman purchased a land grant in 1697 from the English crown. Known as the Beekman Patent, the grant was the second largest piece of property in Dutchess County. The original residents in the area were the Wappingers Indians, members of one of the Algonquin tribes. Europeans settled in the region around 1710.

Beekman became a precinct in 1737. In 1769, the section was divided into Pawling Precinct and Beekman Precinct. During the Revolutionary War, a significant colonial highway cut through Beekman, and was used as a main artery to transport troops and supplies from New England to Fishkill landing. In 1788, towns and counties were formed in the new state of New York, and the town of Beekman was officially established. Additional towns were formed from Beekman’s original land holdings and by 1827, the town’s current boundaries were established.

By the late 1800s, the discovery of iron ore beds in the region led to an industrial boom for the town. Lured by the job prospects in the mining industry, Irish immigrants settled in the area. Eventually, with the advent of better transportation, the iron mines became unprofitable and were discontinued. Today, although the area remains rural, Beekman is experiencing another boom with a growth in land development.

Description


Residents of Beekman enjoy with the area’s rolling terrain, graceful knolls, glorious Fall and Spring colors, and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains. The place has a distinctly rural feel, yet it is accessible to the Taconic State Parkway and other commuter routes that run through the town. The region consists of both older homes and new home subdivisions. Many of beautiful homes lining the winding roads have large lot sizes. Colonial homes are prevalent in the area, as well as Contemporary, Split Level, Cape Cod and Ranch styles. The town amenities include local restaurants, a community swimming pond, multiple lighted ball fields, playgrounds, biking and hiking trails.

Residents


Today, about 14,000 residents reside in Beekman. The median age of a typical resident is thirty-five years old, with an estimated median household income of $86,000 (2008). The unemployment rate is below state average. Farms are disappearing as open land is filled in with new houses and families.

Rental Housing


Rentals in the Beekman area typically run from around $800 to $1500 a month. Of the nearly 3,800 occupied homes in the area, around 500 are rented. The majority of the Beekman, New York housing rentals here are detached single-family homes with very few apartment rentals.

Fun Stuff


The Beekman area is home to highly regarded colleges and school districts. The Doherty Park Nature Trail, recently opened in 2008, includes two full size soccer fields. A new library recently opened in Town Center Park, and Recreation Park in nearby Poughquag, has lighted softball fields, a tennis court, batting cages, mini golf course, a large playground, and a popular sand beach. During the summer months, concerts are held in the park’s pavilion.