Poughkeepsie

Founded in 1687, this small Hudson River city has a population of about 30,000. After the British burned down Kingston in 1777, Poughkeepsie served as the state capital for several years. New York's first governor, George Clinton, lived in the city for more than two decades, and it was here that New York State ratified the Constitution in 1788. Today Poughkeepsie is the seat of Dutchess County and home to prestigious Vassar College. The downtown has seen better days, but you can see some signs of rejuvenation.