Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
On This Site
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 2, 2010
1. On This Site Marker
On this site in July of 1788, the opposing views of Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, and Anti-federalists, under Governor George Clinton, were joined in compromise by Dutchess County Ratification Convention delegate Melancthon Smith. Proposed changes intended to safeguard personal liberty would soon become amendments to the new Constitution of the United States. These issues provided the foundation for the Bill of Rights.
We rededicate this hallowed ground to the principles of American freedom and justice and to Smith's wise mediation, which ended the ratification struggle by confirming New York's commitment to both personal liberty and to a strong central government.
Hon. Lucille P. Pattison, County Executive
Dutchess County Bicentennial of the Ratification of the U.S. Constitution Advisory Committee: Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt, Honorary Chairman; Joyce C. Ghee, Dutchess County Historian, Chairman; John E. Mack III, Chairman Memorial Drive.
Erected September 17, 1991, a gift of the Dutchess Bank & Trust Company, Dr. Jack A. Mcenroe, President.
Erected 1991 by the Dutchess Bank & Trust Company.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1788.
Location. 41°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Affectionate Memory (a few steps from this marker); Lucille P. Pattison (a few steps from this marker); Constitution Ratification Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthew Vassar (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II Memorial (about 700 feet away); Poughkeepsie Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vassar Brothers Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away); Van Kleeck House Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Poughkeepsie.
Also see . . . Ratification of the Constitution by the State of New York; July 26, 1788. Yale Law School Avalon project website entry (Submitted on August 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 2, 2010
2. On This Site Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 2, 2010
3. On This Site Marker and the Dutchess County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 976 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
