The town of Fishkill is one of the nine original towns of Dutchess County. Its name is derived from two Dutch words, "vis" meaning fish and "kill" meaning creek or stream. Frances Rombout was one of two Dutch merchants who purchased 85,000 acres in what is now Dutchess County from the Wappinger Indians in 1683. His daughter Catharyna and her husband Roger Brett were the first permanent white settlers in the area and they established a mill at the mouth of Fishkill Creek. Their original home still stands and is the oldest continuous residence in Dutchess County.

Fishkill later played an important role in the Revolutionary War, first as a military encampment to guard the mountain pass to the south and then as a main supply depot for the northern division of the Continental Army. The beauty and history of the area continue to attract visitors and new residents and many of the town's most popular attractions are historic sites. The First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Fishkill was used as a prison during the Revolutionary War and the Trinity Episcopal Church was used as a hospital. Samuel Loudon's press at Fishkill printed the first copies of the New York State Constitution in 1777. Mount Gulian Historic Site, a renovated 18th century homestead, was the headquarters of General von Steuben during the war and the now-restored Van Wyck Homestead Museum is housed in a building originally requisitioned by the Continental Army.

Fishkill provides much more to enjoy than just historical attractions, as seasonal activities for the whole family are scheduled throughout the year. For summer fun, the water slides at Splashdown Park are great for cooling off and Geering Park offers a "Concert in the Park" summer series. Baseball is a favorite pastime and the town is the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades Professional Baseball Club. The town also provides sports and day camps for the kids and a golf program for all ages. Spring brings the annual Easter Egg Hunt and each fall, children enjoy a hayride to the town pumpkin patch. Community and family bonds are strengthened during the annual Fall Festival and later in the year, families enjoy the Winter Wonderland Holiday Party.