Dutchess County

County in southeast New York; area 2,082 sq km/804 sq mi; population (1990) 259,500. It is bordered by the Hudson River to the west and the Connecticut state line to the east. The upper part of the county is in the Taconic Mountains. Its administrative headquarters is Poughkeepsie. Manufacturing and corporate office development are centred at Poughkeepsie and Beacon. Almost completely agricultural until the 1970s, the county still has many working farms (about a quarter of its area) producing dairy products, fruit, and vegetables. From the area around Fishkill to its southern boundary, it is now a residential centre for New York City commuters. The northern region, including such communities as Rhinecliff and Millbrook, has many summer and weekend homes. Historic sites, such as Hyde Park, attract tourists.