 Dutchess County is part of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown Metropolitan Statistical Area, which belongs to the larger New York–Newark–Bridgeport, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area.Prior to Anglo-Dutch settlement, what is today Dutchess County was a leading center for the native Wappinger peoples.They had their council-fire at what is now Fishkill Hook, and also held gatherings along the Danskammer.