Peekskill, New York
Peekskill is a city in northwestern Westchester County, New York, about 35 miles north of New York City. It sits on the Hudson River across from Jones Point in Rockland County. The area started as a village in 1816 and became a city in 1940. It covers about 5.5 square miles and has around 25,000 residents.
Key points about Peekskill
- History: It grew as an early American manufacturing town. The Binney & Smith Company (now Crayola) has ties to Peekskill. During the American Revolution, Peekskill hosted an outpost to defend the Hudson River, and British raids occurred in the area. In 1949, protests around a Paul Robeson concert led to a famous riot, and in 1992 a fragment of the Peekskill meteorite landed nearby.
- What you can see and do: The city has cultural venues like the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, STUDIO No.9 Gallery, and lively music spots such as Bean Runner Cafe and 12 Grapes. The Hudson Valley MOCA and local radio station WLNA serve residents. Parks include Depew Park and Riverfront Green Park.
- Getting around: Peekskill has a Metro-North train station that goes to New York City. Several bus routes and major roads—US 9, NY 9A, and NY 35—connect the city to other areas. The Bear Mountain Bridge is nearby for access to Bear Mountain State Park.
- Education and health: The city runs its own public school district, with Peekskill High School. NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital serves the area with a range of medical services.
- Demographics: The population has grown since 2010, with a diverse community that includes many Hispanic and Latino residents. Recent data show significant Ecuadorian, Puerto Rican, and Guatemalan residents among others.
- How Peekskill got its name: It likely comes from a Dutch trader named Jan Peeck and the nearby creek’s name, which linked to Lenape terms for a river mouth.
Peekskill blends history, culture, and riverfront scenery, making it a unique part of the Hudson Valley.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:24 (CET).