Beacon is a city located in Dutchess County, New York, USA. Although the city's estimated living population is around 16,000 people, the 2000 census placed the city total population at 13,808. Beacon was so named to commemorate the historic Beacon fires which blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains to alert the Revolutionary Armies about British troop movements.
The City of Beacon is located in the southwest corner of Dutchess County, in the fast growing Mid-Hudson Region. It sits just over a hour north of New York City, about 59 miles, in its northern suburbs. It is also located approximately 90 miles south of Albany.
Beacon is located at 41°30'15" North, 73°57'56" West (41.504243, -73.965576).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.7 km2 (4.9 mi2). 12.4 km2 (4.8 mi2) of it is land and 0.3 km2 (0.1 mi2) of it 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 citys. It is located minutes to 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 it's larger sister city, Newburgh. Beacon is just 20 minutes south of the Hudson Valley Region Capital City, Poughkeepsie. In addition Danbury, Connecticut is located about 45 minutes away and New York City is located just over a hour to the south.
Although the city's population is estimated to be about 16,000 people, the census 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 1,115.3/km2 (2,891.6/mi2) based on the census population of 13,808. There are 5,406 housing units at an average density of 436.7/km2 (1,132.1/mi2). 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% from two or more races.
Based on the census; there are 5,091 households out of which 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.
In the city the population is spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who 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 or 9.1% of the families are below the poverty line. Out 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 currently is composed of 10% subsidized housing, of which about 400 units are state and federal housing projects.
Beacon was originally settled as the Villages of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing in 1709, making them among one of the first communities in the state. The City of Beacon was incorporated as a city in 1913, annexing the two villages and a small portion of the Hamlet of Glenham from the Town of Fishkill.
The city served as a focal point during the revoluntionary war era. It was used for manufactoring of war supplies, as a fort, and as a signaling point. The city gained it's namesake for the signal fires atop of the 1,540-foot mountain located in the city's backdrop. During the 1800s, the city became a factory town and was known as "The Hat Making Capital of the US." With nearly 50 hat factories in town at its peak, it earned this nickname. The city continued as a factory town until about 1970, when a decline in the economy caused most of the factories to go abandoned. From 1970 to about 2000, the city entered its darkest age with 80% of its commercial businesses and factories going vacant, and crime spiraling out of control. However in 2000, the city saw a rebirth with the world's largest contemporary art museum, Dia: Beacon, making Beacon it's new home. Currently, Beacon is thrieving to becoming the art capital of the state with large development projects such as a large waterfront hotel and conference center, numerous commercial business/ art galleries, and numerous residential development.
Also from 1902 to 1975, The Mount Beacon Incline Railway, the steepest incline railway in existence (a 65% grade), took an estimated 3 million people up to the 1,540-foot summit of Mount Beacon. This tourist attraction was later destroyed by fire and vandalism. There is a movement to restore it.
Source:
BeaconNewYork.com
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