The river has been the main focus of the Coxsackie area for many thousands of years. The first settlement on the mountaintop was in 1757. People were drawn to the mountaintop in the 1790's due to waterpower, timber, firs and lumber. Artists and writers have made the mountaintop famous. Although the times have changed and the people may have changed the mountains and the river remain the focus of the Coxsackie Area.
Ski resorts are plentiful in the winter.
The river is the focus of Coxsackie. Boating on the Hudson River is popular and there are many boat launches and marinas in the area. Hunting and fishing are are among the popular recreations. There are many tourist attractions in the Coxsackie area as well as many antique shops. The major employers today are NYS Department of Corrections, United Stationers, DynaBil Industries.