Originally a prominent industrial city, Beacon manufactured civil war guns, bricks and buttons, and was once known as the hat-making capital of New York. In the 1900s, Beacon drew large crowds who came to experience the Incline Railroad, which took them to a casino overlooking the city. At the time, this railroad was the steepest funicular in the world. Today, this location has become a highly popular lookout point and is now part of the expansive Hudson Highlands State Park.
A stroll through time:
uncovering Beacon’s history
Beacon's rich and diverse history is a testament to its evolution from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant, historically rich city.
The city's commitment to preserving its historical heritage, exemplified by landmarks like Bannerman Castle, constructed in the early 1900s.
Another historical heritage is Madam Brett Homestead, the oldest standing building in southern Dutchess County, and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.