"The history of Duchess County dates back to the period when the Hudson was discovered by the English navigator whose name it bears, though actual settlement was not commenced until three-quarters of a century later. The first settlers were Dutch, though no settlement was made under the Dutch regime, and for fully half a century after it was begun it progressed but slowly. From the middle of the eighteenth century, however, its growth was rapid, and not until then did it approximate a primal importance. The development of its varied industries and institutions is succinctly stated in the succeeding chapters." Other chapters cover early settlements, early civil divisions, geology, internal improvements, county societies, early courts, and military history. Chapters 17 through 47 cover the history of each town: Red Hook, Milan, Pine Plains, North East, Rhinebeck, Clinton, Stanford, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley, Washington, Amenia, Poughkeepsie (town and city), LaGrange, Union Vale, Dover, Wappinger Fishkill, East Fishkill, Beekman, and Pawling. A detailed table of contents and lists of illustrations and biographies provide easy access to information. Numerous illustrations highlight the text. CD3755HB - $19.95