Known as the "Gateway to the Hudson Highlands," Peekskill affords some excellent views over the Hudson. this4.5 Square-mile city reflects turn-of-the-century architecture and possesses many restored Victorian homes. Thanks to the natural beauty of the area and the wealth of animal pelts, the Dutch West "Indian Company began settling here in the early 1600's; in 1654, a Dutch trader, Jan Peek, Moved his family onto the "kill"    (Dutch word for creek) and built a wharf and trading post, "Peeck's kill." By 1697, Peekskill was incorporated into the 86,000 acre Van Cortland Manor. For the next 200 years, Peekskill's importance as a harbor and market community grew. During the Revolutionary War, Peekskill was the hub for the militia from New England and New York. Plaques claiming "George Washington visited here" appear on many houses. In 1839, Peeck's Kill officially became the Village of Peekskill in the Town of Cortlandt. At the time of the Civil War, Peekskill was a prominent industrial center which manufactured stoves, iron products, plows and bricks. Apparently, Lincoln stopped off to check out this thriving village on his way to his inauguration in 1861. In 1940, the city of Peekskill became an independent governing municipality, separate and apart from the Town of Cortlandt. the motto "hard work and orderly growth" still represents the spirit of the area.

This is an excerpt taken from: "The Best of Westchester" Marian Hamilton, Marken Publishing, Armonk, New York