City of Poughkeepsie   Distance to NYC: 81 miles Area: 4.8 square miles   Founded in 1687, the City of Poughkeepsie is located midway between New York City and Albany, the state capitol, on the east side of the Hudson River, which recently has been declared to be a National Heritage Area. Poughkeepsie is a small city with a total land area of just 4.8 square miles. It is surrounded on three sides by the Town of Poughkeepsie and on the west by the majestic Hudson River. The name Poughkeepsie is derived from the native Americans that lived in the area. The City has a long and important history. The courthouse on Market Street is where New York ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788. Early in its history, the city was a major center for whale rendering, followed by breweries along the banks of the Hudson. Some of the breweries were owned by Matthew Vassar, founder of the renowned Vassar College.   Culturally,the Bardavon 1869 Opera House is the focus of many activities in Poughkeepsie, along with the Mid- Hudson Civic Center and the Cunneen-Hackett Cultural Center housed in the former home of Matthew Vassar. The Glebe House is a 1767 house that has been restored to represent a modest home of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.   The City’s ethnic diversity can be found in the many riverfront and downtown restaurants.   The City has a wide range of housing choices, including many historic homes and districts. It is a good place to do business. Best of all, it has a diverse and friendly population.   Educational Facilities The City is served by the Poughkeepsie City School District. There are numerous private/parochial schools close-by: Oakwood Friends, Our Lady of Lourdes, Holy Trinity, Poughkeepsie Day School, Hebrew Day School and others. There is also easy access to Marist College and Vassar College. The yearly Kid’s Expo presents interactive learning for the entire family.   Recreational Facilities The city’s most popular waterfront park is Waryas Park. There are picnic tables and a skate board park. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center/McCann Ice Arena has multi-purpose recreation with an NHL quality ice arena, concerts, entertainment and much more. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum has hands-on permanent and rotating exhibits that combine science and art for ages up to 12.   Houses of Worship Most all denominations can be found within the Poughkeepsie area. Some of them are: AME Zion, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Assembly of God,Eastern Orthodox,Presbyterian,Temple Beth-El and Pentecostal.