Mid Hudson
Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
http://www.poughkeepsieruralcemetery.com/
342 South Avenue
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
Phone: (845) 454-6020
Hours: Office Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Saturday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Notes: Visit the website listed above to download a Walking Tour map.
Historical Description:
The Mid 1850’s saw a wave of people deciding to get buried in “Rural Cemeteries” and the Hudson Valley people were right on board with the new fad. Funded in part by Matthew Vassar, who founded Vassar College, Vassar bought 50 acres of land in the plot with hopes of selling it to people. Not enough people wanted to buy into it so Vassar decided to build his summer home on the land.
The Site:
On site you can visit the many different historical figures of the Hudson Valley. Visit Andrew and William Smith’s grave, they are most famous for inventing the throat lozenge. Just past them you will find the area where brewer and founder of Vassar College is buried, Matthew Vassar.
Directions:
- Take the New York State Thruway to exit 18
- Turn right onto Route 299 East
- Take Route 299 East approximately 5 miles to Route 9W
- Turn right onto Route 9W South
- Take Route 9W South for approximately 2 miles and bear right for the MidHudson Bridge/Poughkeepsie
- Cross Bridge and make the first right onto Route 9 South
- Take Route 9 South for approximately 1 mile to the Academy Street/South Avenue exit
- At the stop go straight and follow the cemetery grounds to the main entrance on right