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.

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In Affectionate Memory
Lucille P. Pattison
Constitution Ratification Site
Matthew Vassar
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Poughkeepsie Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vassar Brothers Institute
Van Kleeck House Site
Cristoforo Colombo
Vassar Residence

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