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East Moriches, New York facts for kids

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East Moriches, New York
East-Moriches-welcome.jpg
Motto(s): 
Long Island's Best Kept Secret
U.S. Census map
U.S. Census map
Emoriches.png
Country United States
State New York
County Suffolk
Town Brookhaven
Area
 • Total 6.01 sq mi (15.57 km2)
 • Land 5.43 sq mi (14.06 km2)
 • Water 0.58 sq mi (1.51 km2)
Elevation
30 ft (9 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 5,946
 • Density 1,095.43/sq mi (422.93/km2)
Time zone UTC−05:00 (Eastern Time Zone)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−04:00
ZIP Code
11940
Area code(s) 631, 934
FIPS code 36-22546
GNIS feature ID 0970099

East Moriches (pronounced moh-RITCH-iz) is a small community in Suffolk County, New York. It is part of the Town of Brookhaven. This area is called a hamlet, which is a small village, and also a census-designated place. This means the government counts its population separately. In 2020, about 5,946 people lived here.

The name Moriches comes from a Native American person named Meritces. This person owned land on Moriches Neck a long time ago.

Where is East Moriches?

East Moriches is located on Long Island in New York. It covers an area of about 6 square miles (15.57 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 0.58 square miles (1.51 square kilometers) is water.

Who Lives in East Moriches?

The population of East Moriches has grown over the years.

  • In 2000, there were 4,555 people.
  • By 2010, the population was 5,249.
  • In 2020, the population reached 5,946.

Most people living in East Moriches are White. There are also people of Hispanic, African American, Asian, and other backgrounds. In 2000, about 39.7% of households had children under 18 living there. The average household had about 2.9 people.

Learning in East Moriches

East Moriches has its own elementary school and a middle school. After finishing 8th grade, students can choose to attend one of three high schools:

Students from the East Moriches school district often call themselves "EMO." This is a short way to say East Moriches.

TWA Flight 800 and East Moriches

East Moriches became known around the world on July 17, 1996. On that day, TWA Flight 800 exploded about 8 miles (13 km) off the coast. The plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. All 230 passengers and crew members on board died.

The U.S. Coast Guard Station in East Moriches played a very important role. It was used by emergency workers to help with the rescue efforts. It was also the place where the victims were brought before being moved. A special landing area for helicopters was built there. News reporters also set up their equipment at the station to share updates.

Today, there are parks in Smith Point and Center Moriches on Long Island that remember those who died. A plaque with their names is also there. Investigators found that the explosion was caused by a short circuit in the plane's fuel tank.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: East Moriches para niños

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