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East Hampton (village), New York facts for kids

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East Hampton Village, New York
Village
Town Seat of East Hampton
Incorporated Village of East Hampton
Hook Mill, located within East Hampton Village.
Hook Mill, located within East Hampton Village.
Official seal of East Hampton Village, New York
Seal
Motto(s): 
America's Most Beautiful Village
U.S. Census map of East Hampton
U.S. Census map of East Hampton
East Hampton Village, New York is located in Long Island
East Hampton Village, New York
East Hampton Village, New York
Location in Long Island
East Hampton Village, New York is located in New York
East Hampton Village, New York
East Hampton Village, New York
Location in New York
East Hampton Village, New York is located in the United States
East Hampton Village, New York
East Hampton Village, New York
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  New York
County Suffolk
Town East Hampton
Founded 1648
Incorporated 1920
Area
 • Total 4.91 sq mi (12.71 km2)
 • Land 4.77 sq mi (12.35 km2)
 • Water 0.14 sq mi (0.36 km2)
Elevation
26 ft (8 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,517
 • Density 318.10/sq mi (122.81/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
11937
Area codes 631, 934
FIPS code 36-22183
GNIS feature ID 2391650
Website

The Village of East Hampton is a beautiful village in Suffolk County, New York. It's located on the eastern part of Long Island, a famous area known as The Hamptons. Many people consider East Hampton Village one of the most beautiful and popular places in the Hamptons. It's a favorite spot for summer visitors! The village was home to 1,517 people in 2020. The current Mayor of East Hampton Village is Jerry Larsen.

History of East Hampton Village

East Hampton has a long and interesting history, starting many centuries ago.

How East Hampton Started

The village of East Hampton was founded in 1648. It was started by Puritan farmers who followed the Presbyterian religion. The first settlers bought the land from the Montauk Indians. They paid about £30 for the land.

The community mostly focused on farming. They also did some fishing and whaling. Sometimes, whales would wash up on the beach, and people would use them. They also hunted whales offshore in small boats. The village was first called Maidstone. This name might have come from a village in England.

East Hampton in the 1800s

Winslow Homer - East Hampton Beach, Long Island (1874)
East Hampton Beach in 1874, by Winslow Homer

In the late 1800s, things started to change. A railway was built to nearby Bridgehampton in 1870. This made it easier for visitors to come to East Hampton. At first, people stayed in boarding houses. Later, they built large "cottages" or estates on old farms. These big homes were often built in a style called Shingle style architecture.

By the 1890s, the land for these cottages became very expensive. The railway line was extended all the way to Montauk in 1895. This made East Hampton even more popular.

East Hampton in the 1900s

Many luxury estates were built in the 1910s and 1920s. These were mostly in an area that used to be farmland. After a quiet period during the Great Depression and World War II, building started again in the 1950s. Some of the very large estates were even divided into smaller properties.

East Hampton also became a famous place for artists. Many artists and art students came here starting in the 1890s. It became known as an artists' colony in the mid-1900s. Famous artists like the Abstract Expressionists helped make it popular.

East Hampton Today

Today, East Hampton is a very popular and often busy place, especially in the summer. It's known for being a fashionable and expensive weekend getaway. People love its beautiful white sandy beaches. It's also known for its many fine restaurants, shops, art galleries, and theaters. You can enjoy sports like golf, sailing, fishing, and horseback riding here.

Geography of East Hampton

East Hampton Village covers about 4.91 square miles (12.71 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 0.14 square miles (0.36 square kilometers) is water.

A special area in the village is near Georgica Pond. This pond is connected to the ocean. It's known for its fancy homes and famous residents.

East Hampton Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 807
1930 1,934
1940 1,756 −9.2%
1950 1,737 −1.1%
1960 1,772 2.0%
1970 1,753 −1.1%
1980 1,886 7.6%
1990 1,402 −25.7%
2000 1,334 −4.9%
2010 1,083 −18.8%
2020 1,517 40.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, the village had 1,517 people living there. Back in 2000, there were 1,334 people. The population has changed over the years, as you can see in the chart.

The village is made up of people from many different backgrounds. In 2000, most residents were White. There were also people who identified as Black, Native American, Asian, and from other races. About 9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

East Hampton Beaches

East Hampton Village has some amazing beaches! They are known for their clean, white sand. There isn't much building right on the beach, which keeps them looking natural.

Beach Parking Rules

From May 1 to September 30, parking at the village beaches is very limited. Only 2,600 permits are given to non-residents, and they cost money. People who live in the village can always get parking permits. You can still get to the beaches by bike, on foot, or by being dropped off.

Popular Beaches in East Hampton Village

Here are some of the popular beaches in East Hampton Village, from west to east:

  • Georgica Beach – This beach is next to Georgica Pond. It's a popular spot for surfers. This beach also has bathrooms.
  • Main Beach – This is the only beach with a pavilion where you can buy food. It also has a few lockers for residents.
  • Wiborg Beach – This beach has a parking lot. It's right next to the Maidstone Club. It does not have a lifeguard.
  • Egypt Lane Beach – This beach is sometimes called Maidstone Beach, but the real Maidstone Beach is outside the village. Main, Wiborg, and Egypt Lane beaches are all very close to the Maidstone Golf Club.
  • Two Mile Hollow – This beach has the second-largest parking lot among the village beaches.

Building Rules in East Hampton

The village has rules about how big homes can be. These rules help make sure that new houses fit in with the size of the land they are built on and the other homes in the neighborhood.

Law Enforcement in East Hampton

NY - East Hampton Village Police
Seal of the Village of East Hampton Police Department

The East Hampton Village Police Department keeps the village safe. This police department is located in the town of East Hampton. It is led by the Chief of Police, Mike Tracey.

The department has 24 full-time police officers and three part-time officers. They also have dispatchers who answer emergency calls. Plus, there are paramedics who help with medical emergencies. The police department has both uniformed officers and a detective division. The police station is part of the Municipal Emergency Building on One Cedar Street.

Schools in East Hampton

Kids in East Hampton Village go to schools in the East Hampton Union Free School District.

  • East Hampton High School
  • East Hampton Middle School
  • John M. Marshall Elementary School
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