Beacon, New York

Beacon is a city located in Dutchess County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 13,808. Located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, Beacon is noted for its proximity to Bannerman's Castle and West Point, as well as , a modern art museum. James Forrestal, former Secretary of Defense, was a resident of the city. Also world champion boxer Melio Bettina and famous actress Gloria Swanson were residents. According to the city's homepage, the City of Beacon "is located 59 miles north of New York City and approximately 90 miles south of Albany."

History

According to the city's homepage, the City of Beacon was, "Incorporated on May 15,1913, by combining the old villages of Fishkill Landing and Matteawan, the City of Beacon was so named to commemorate the historic Beacon fires which blazed forth from the summit of the Fishkill Mountains warning the Revolutionary Armies of the movement of the British Troops.

Related Topics:
Fishkill Landing - Matteawan

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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.

Related Topics:
Mount Beacon

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