US Route 44 and NY 55 cross the northwestern corner of the town.

A land grant (patent) of the territory was made to Captain John Evans of the Royal Navy in 1694.

The eastern town line, marked by the Hudson River is the border of Dutchess County, and the southern town line is the border of Orange County.

The lowest point in the town is the shore of the Hudson River, which is at sea level.

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 8,263 people, 3,020 households, and 2,144 families residing in the town.

22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.