US Towns Named Poughkeepsie: There Are Three

A Dutch Name in Three States

Poughkeepsie (from Wappinger Uppuqui-ipis-ing "reed-covered lodge by the little water place") appears in exactly three US municipalities:

1. Poughkeepsie, New York — City (pop. ~31,000) and Town in Dutchess County, Hudson Valley. Historic capital of NY (1777), Vassar College, Walkway Over the Hudson.
2. Poughkeepsie, Arkansas — Unincorporated community in Sharp County, Ozark foothills. Named by settlers from NY.
3. Poughkeepsie, Louisiana — Unincorporated area in Tangipahoa Parish, near Hammond. Also named by NY migrants.

Why the Spread?

19th-century westward migration carried place names. New Yorkers moving to frontier Arkansas and Louisiana brought "Poughkeepsie" with them—a touch of home in the wilderness.

Notable Near-Misses

• Poughkeepsie, Mississippi — Historical reference only (extinct).
• Poughkeepsie, Wisconsin — Never incorporated.
• Poughkeepsie Street — Exists in several cities (e.g., Denver, CO).

Fun Fact

The NY Poughkeepsie is the only one with a "Town of Poughkeepsie" (separate from the City)—a NY quirk where towns and cities can share names but are distinct governments.