List of New York State Historic Markers in Suffolk County, New York facts for kids

This article is a list of special signs, called New York State Historic Markers, that tell us about important places and events in Suffolk County, New York. There are about 110 of these markers across the county, each sharing a piece of history.

Exploring Suffolk County's Past

Suffolk County is full of interesting history, and these markers help us discover it! From old railroads to important buildings and famous visitors, each sign tells a story. Let's explore some of the cool places marked in different towns.

Babylon: Trains, Churches, and County Beginnings

The Town of Babylon has several markers that highlight its early days.

The South Side Railroad: A Journey Through Time

Imagine a time before cars were everywhere! The South Side Railroad was a big deal. Markers tell us about its history:

• One marker in Amityville, New York (at Ketcham Avenue, north of Oak Street) explains that the railroad from New York City was finished in October 1867. The first train station was built in 1868 for travelers, businesses, and mail. The LIRR took over this line by 1876.
• Another marker in Lindenhurst, New York (at Wellwood Avenue and Hoffman Avenue) shares that the railroad started in 1867. This station was first called Wellwood, then Breslau in 1870, and finally Lindenhurst by 1891. The LIRR also took over this part of the line by 1876.

St. Mary's Church: A Place of Worship

In Amityville, New York, at 175 Broadway, you'll find a marker for St. Mary's Church. This church's group started in 1886. Its chapel was built in 1888 by Wesley Ketcham and was officially opened in 1889.

Babylon Town Hall: A Center of Government

The Babylon Town Hall at 47 West Main Street in the Village of Babylon was built between 1917 and 1918. It was the main office for the town government until 1957 and also served as a courthouse from 1918 to 1979.

Suffolk County: One of the First

A marker in Amityville, New York (Peterkin Park, Oak Street) reminds us that Suffolk County was officially started on November 1, 1683. It was one of the very first counties in the Province of New York, originally known as the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Brookhaven: Fires, Churches, and Legends

The Town of Brookhaven has markers that tell stories of community, faith, and even local legends.

Hook & Ladder 1: Protecting the Community

In Lake Ronkonkoma, on Hawkins Avenue, a marker honors Hook & Ladder 1. After a terrible hotel fire in 1903, the fire department was started by the village in 1904 and officially recognized by New York State in 1906.

Historic Churches of Lake Ronkonkoma

• The "1884 CHURCH SITE" marker on Church Street in Lake Ronkonkoma points to where the first St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church was built in just 1.5 months! It was dedicated on June 22, 1884.
• The "EPISCOPAL CHURCH" marker at 315 Lake Shore Road in Lake Ronkonkoma tells us that St. Mary's Church was founded around 1867. The building was a gift from Colonel and Mrs. J.H. Puleston. The church was rebuilt in 1971.

Lillian Devere: A Champion for Women's Rights

On Church Street in Lake Ronkonkoma, a marker remembers Lillian Devere (1875-1955). She was a founding member of the Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club in 1912. She worked hard to help local women get the right to vote.

Indian Princess: A Local Legend

A fascinating marker on Lake Shore Road in Lake Ronkonkoma tells the legend of the "INDIAN PRINCESS OF LAKE RONKONKOMA." The story says she takes one male each year by drowning to be with her at the bottom of the lake as she searches for her true love.

Arrowheads: Ancient Discoveries

On Cherry Street in Lake Ronkonkoma, the "ARROWHEADS" marker celebrates E. Basford Hawkins and Ivar Okvist. Between 1893 and 1988, they collected over 5,000 arrowheads and other old tools from Lake Ronkonkoma.

Bald Hill Schoolhouse: Learning in the Past

In Farmingville, New York, at Farmingville Hills Park, you can find a marker for "BALD HILL." This one-room schoolhouse, built in 1850, taught children in the Farmingville area until 1929.

Historic Flight: A Pioneer in the Sky

Near Artist Lake on NY 25 in Middle Island, New York, a marker commemorates a "HISTORIC FLIGHT." On October 27, 1910, pilot Ralph Johnstone landed near here. He had set an altitude record of 8,471 feet, but strong winds pushed his plane backward from Belmont Park.

Moriches Inn: A Stop for Founding Fathers

The "MORICHES INN" marker at 81 Main Street in Center Moriches, New York is also known as the Terry-Ketcham Inn. In 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison stayed here while visiting General Wm. Floyd in Mastic.

Hart's Tavern: George Washington's Visit

At 261 Montauk Highway in Patchogue, New York, the "HART'S TAVERN" marker notes that George Washington stayed here in 1790 during his trip to tour Long Island.

Freed African-American Community: A New Beginning

Near New York State Route 25A in Rocky Point, New York, a marker for "NEAR THIS SITE" tells us that freed African-Americans owned and developed land here by 1790. Families like Davis, Jessup, Lyman, Sells, Phillips, Prince, and Miller were among the first to settle.

Poospatuck Reservation: Native American Heritage

On Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, the "POOSPATUCK RES." marker indicates the home of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, recognized by New York State in 1777. The reservation is located about one mile south at Forge River and Poospatuck Creek.

Roe Tavern: Washington's Spy Network

The "ROE TAVERN" marker on New York State Route 25A in East Setauket, New York tells us that a tavern stood here from 1703 to 1936. Washington spent the night here on April 22, 1790. Austin Roe, the innkeeper, was one of Washington's spies during the American Revolution!

East Hampton: Early Settlements and Women's Rights

The Town of East Hampton holds stories of its founding, important schools, and brave women.

East Hampton Town: A Historic Founding

At 732 E Hampton Sag Harbor Turnpike (New York State Route 114) in the Village of East Hampton, a marker states that East Hampton Town was founded in 1648 and received its Dongan Patent (official land grant) in 1686.

Clinton Academy: First of its Kind

The "Clinton Academy" marker at 151 Main Street in the Village of East Hampton celebrates a significant educational milestone. Founded in 1784, it was the first academy to be officially recognized by the State Board of Regents.

May Groot Manson: A Suffragette Leader

At 117 Main Street (New York State Route 27) in the Village of East Hampton, a marker honors May Groot Manson (1859-1917). Her home was where she led the Woman Suffrage League of East Hampton and the Women's Political Union, working for women's right to vote.

Rev. Thomas Payne: A Pioneer Preacher

At 38 James Lane in the Village of East Hampton, opposite South Hill Cemetery, a marker tells us about Rev. Thomas Payne. He lived here from 1650 to 1696 and even created a Catechism (a set of religious teachings) for the Montauk Indians. He was arrested for standing up for his rights.

First Sheep Fold: Early Farming

At 3 Egypt Lane, Pantigo, in the Town of East Hampton, the "First Sheep Fold" marker shows where the first sheep pasture was located around 1684. It was a "very swampy, wet area" next to The Hiram Sanford House.

Historic Windmills: Powering the Past

• The "Spider Legged Mill" marker at 400 Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack marks the site of a mill where a British major tied and whipped William Russell during the Revolution.
• The "Poxabogue Mill" marker at 54 Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack also points to the site of a spider-legged mill. This mill was part of a famous lawsuit in 1842 that decided the rights of landowners to the road next to their property.

Town Church: A Community Hub

At 158 Main Street in the Village of East Hampton, the "Town Church" marker describes the largest and most expensive church on Long Island, used from 1717 to 1861. Important religious leaders were ordained here.

First Custom House: A Port of Entry

At 3 Main Street in Sag Harbor, a marker for the "First Custom House" notes that Sag Harbor became the first Port of Entry in New York State on August 4, 1790. This meant it was an official place for ships to enter and pay taxes on goods.

Huntington: Artists, Churches, and Famous Figures

The Town of Huntington has markers for artists, historic churches, and even a plot to assassinate George Washington!

Arthur Dove and Helen Torr: Abstract Art Pioneers

At 30 Centershore Road in Centerport, New York, a marker celebrates Arthur Dove (1880–1946) and Helen Torr (1886–1967). These early abstract artists lived and painted here starting in 1938.

Bethel A.M.E. Church: A Place of Faith and History

The "Bethel A.M.E. Church" marker at 291 Park Avenue in Huntington tells us that this church was officially started in 1843. In 1845, it moved to a building called "The Seminary" that stood on this spot.

Camp Alvernia: First Catholic Summer Camp

On Prospect Road in Centerport, New York, the "Camp Alvernia" marker highlights its importance as the first Catholic Summer Camp in the country, established in 1888. Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi even practiced football here with St. Francis Prep in 1932 and 1933.

Ezra Carll Homestead: Oldest House in Dix Hills

The "CARLL HOUSE" marker at 49 Melville Road in South Huntington, New York points to the only example of early "hewn salt box" architecture on Long Island. Built around 1740, it's the oldest house in Dix Hills.

Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department: Protecting the Community

At Main Street and Elm Place in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, a marker for the "COLD SPRING HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT" notes that it was founded in 1852. The firehouse was built in 1930 and expanded in 1970.

Constitution Oak: A Symbol of Freedom

On the Old Town Green in Huntington, the "Constitution Oak" marker was dedicated in 1988. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of New York State officially agreeing to the U.S. Constitution.

Cross Island Trolley: Early Public Transport

At the Halesite Fire Department on NY 110 in Halesite, New York, the "CROSS ISLAND TROLLEY" marker tells us about this trolley line that ran from 1898 to 1927. This spot was the northern end of the trolley line that went all the way to Amityville.

Eaton's Neck: A Revolutionary Patriot

On Eatons Neck Road in Northport, New York, west of Ocean Avenue, the "EATON'S NECK" marker honors John Sloss Hobart. He was a patriot during the Revolutionary War, a U.S. Senator, and a judge. He risked everything to help found the United States.

Huntington Fire Department: Early Motorized Engines

At 237 Main Street in Huntington, the "FIRE DEPARTMENT" marker explains that this building housed the first motorized fire engines on Long Island. It was the home of the Huntington Fire Department from 1911 to 1958.

Huntington's Earliest Church: A Foundation of Faith

At the southwest corner of New York State Route 25A and Spring Street in Huntington, a marker for "Huntington's Earliest CHURCH" shows where a church stood from 1665 to 1715. It was sold for a small amount of money in 1715.

International Boundary: A Historic Border

• At Woodbury Road and Southwest Corner of Harbor Road in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, a marker for "INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY" shows the border between New Netherland and the New England Confederation, set by the Treaty of Hartford (1650-1664).
• Another "INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY" marker at Manetto Hill Road east of Plainview Road in West Hills, New York also marks this historic border.

J. Gardiner Farm: A Historic Home

At 900 Park Avenue in Greenlawn, New York, the "J. GARDINER FARM" marker tells us about a house built in 1750 and made bigger in 1860. It was given to the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association in 2003.

Israel Ketchum: Foiling a Plot Against Washington

On Harbor Road in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, west of Shore Road, a marker for "ISRAEL KETCHUM" reveals a fascinating story. While jailed for making fake money, Israel Ketchum uncovered a plot to assassinate George Washington in June 1776!

Joseph Lloyd Manor: A Patriot's Home

At Lloyd Harbor Road and Lloyds Lane in Lloyd Harbor, New York, the "JOSEPH LLOYD MANOR" marker describes a house built in 1766–67 for Joseph Lloyd (1716–1780), a patriot and the son of the first Lord of the Manor.

Long Island Motor Parkway: America's First Highway

• At the Half Hollow Hills Community Library in Half Hollow Hills, New York, a marker for the "L. I. MOTOR PARKWAY" explains that it was the first concrete, limited-access highway. It was built by W.K. Vanderbilt between 1908 and 1910.
• Another "L. I. MOTOR PARKWAY" marker at Lloyd Harbor Road and Lloyds Lane in Melville, New York points to the remains of the last parkway bridge in Suffolk County, built in 1910.

Lloyd Manor: Birthplace of America's First Black Poet

At Lloyd Harbor Road in Lloyd Harbor, New York, the "LLOYD MANOR" marker tells us about a house built by Henry Lloyd in 1711. It was the birthplace of Jupiter Hammon, America's first Black poet, born on October 17, 1711.

Northport Railroad Station: A Changing Location

In East Northport, in Parking Lot 33 between the entrance and exit to Bellerose Avenue, the "NORTHPORT RAILROAD STATION" marker explains that the original station was 1.5 miles northwest and open from 1867 to 1899. This station opened in 1873.

Site of Centerport (Upper) Mill: Early Industry

At the northeast corner of Mill Dam Road and Centershore Road in Centerport, New York, the "Site Of CENTERPORT (UPPER) MILL" marker notes that a mill was built here by Sylvanus Townsend in 1774, replacing an even older mill from 1674.

Suffolk County: Original County Status

On NY 25A, east of the Nassau-Suffolk County Line in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, a marker for "SUFFOLK COUNTY" repeats that it was organized on November 1, 1683, as one of the original counties of New York, originally called East Riding of Yorkshire.

Islip: Unique Homes and Historic Stops

The Town of Islip features markers about unique architecture and important transportation hubs.

1859 Dame House / Brentwood, New York: An Octagon Home

At Third Avenue and Fourth Street in Brentwood, and again at 1769 Brentwood Road, markers for "1859 Dame House" and "Brentwood, New York" describe a "Modern Times Octagon Home." It was designed by William Upham Dame to save space, with the residence on the first floor and an assembly hall on the second.

Gibb Patent: Early Land Grants

On Main Street at Islip Town Hall in Islip, the "Gibb Patent" marker explains that this land grant for Islip Hamlet was given by British rulers William and Mary to Andrew Gibb in 1692.

Islip Depot: A Busy Train Station

At Islip Avenue and Parking Field 9 in Islip, the "ISLIP DEPOT" marker tells the story of the train station. The South Side Railroad operated here from 1867 to 1876, and the LIRR took over in 1880. The station has been rebuilt and restored over the years.

L.I. Motor Parkway: An Early Automobile Road

At the Lakeland Fire Department on Long Island Motor Parkway in Ronkonkoma, a marker for "L.I. MOTOR PARKWAY" highlights this early road built just for cars. The eastern end of the parkway was finished in 1911, reaching Lake Ronkonkoma.

Old '88: A School's Legacy

At the Sayville Public Library in Sayville, on Greene Avenue at Swayze Street, the "Old '88" marker remembers a school that educated the community for 81 years, from 1888 to 1969. It was designed by Issac H. Green, Jr.

The Green House: Another Washington Stop

At 93 Montauk Highway in West Sayville, "The Green House" marker notes that George Washington stopped at this historic home on April 21, 1790, during his famous tour of Long Island.

Southold: Submarines and Storms

The Town of Southold has markers about naval history and how nature shaped the land.

First Submarine Base: A Naval First

On Main Street at Cutchogue Harbor in New Suffolk, the "First Submarine Base" marker is very important! It marks the site of the first submarine base in the United States. The "U.S.S. Holland," the first submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy, was based here for trials between 1899 and 1905. Six other submarines were also based at this "Holland Torpedo Boat Station."

Truman's Beach: A Stormy History

On the East Marion-Orient Causeway in East Marion, the "Truman's Beach" marker tells us that early settlers called it "Hard Beach." During the War of 1812, Commodore Decatur and three ships anchored off this sand spit. The marker also notes that storms have broken through here eight times in two centuries, cutting Oysterponds off from the mainland.

Smithtown: Battles and Old Homes

The Town of Smithtown has markers about a Revolutionary War battle and very old homes.

Battle of Fort Slongo: A Revolutionary Victory

On Fort Salonga Road in Fort Salonga, east of Bread and Cheese Hollow Road, the "BATTLE OF FORT SLONGO" marker tells us about a battle that happened near this spot on October 3, 1781. American forces defeated British forces who were holding Fort Slongo.

Home of Obadiah Smith: An Old Family Home

At 853 Saint Johnland Road in San Remo, the "HOME OF OBADIAH SMITH" marker points to a house built around 1700. Obadiah Smith was the grandson of Richard Smythe, who was granted the land.

Nissequogue School: Early Education

At 631 Moriches Road (now the Village Hall) in Saint James, the "NISSEQUOGUE SCHOOL" marker notes that this school was built in 1808. Several local families helped fund its construction.

Images for kids

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  South Side Railroad of Long Island marker in Amityville

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  St. Mary's Church marker in Amityville

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  Babylon Town Hall marker

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  Suffolk County marker

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  Hook & Ladder 1 marker in Lake Ronkonkoma

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  Episcopal Church marker in Lake Ronkonkoma

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  Indian Princess marker in Lake Ronkonkoma

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  Arrowheads marker in Lake Ronkonkoma

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  Historic Flight marker in Middle Island

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  Moriches Inn marker in Center Moriches

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  Hart's Tavern marker in Patchogue

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  Freed Afro-American Community marker in Rocky Point

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  Poospatuck Reservation marker in Mastic

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  Roe Tavern marker in East Setauket

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  Circa 1740 marker in South Haven

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  East Hampton Town marker

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  Clinton Academy marker

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  May Groot Manson marker

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  Site of Home Rev. Thomas Payne marker

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  First Sheep Fold marker

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  Spider Legged Mill marker

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  Poxabogue Mill marker

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  Town Church marker

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  Town Church site marker

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  First Custom House marker

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  Arthur Dove-Helen Torr marker

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  Bethel A.M.E. Church marker

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  Camp Alvernia marker

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  CARLL HOUSE marker

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  Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department marker

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  Constitution Oak marker

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  CROSS ISLAND TROLLEY marker

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  EATON'S NECK marker

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  FIRE DEPARTMENT marker

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  Huntington's Earliest CHURCH marker

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  INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY marker

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  J. GARDINER FARM marker

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  ISRAEL KETCHUM marker

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  JOSEPH LLOYD MANOR marker

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  L. I. MOTOR PARKWAY marker (Half Hollow Hills)

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  L. I. MOTOR PARKWAY marker (Melville)

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  LLOYD MANOR marker

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  NORTHPORT RAILROAD STATION marker

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  Site Of CENTERPORT (UPPER) MILL marker

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  SITE OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND BURIAL GROUND marker

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  SUFFOLK COUNTY marker (Huntington)

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  1859 Dame House/Brentwood, New York marker

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  Gibb Patent marker

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  ISLIP DEPOT marker

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  L.I. MOTOR PARKWAY marker (Ronkonkoma)

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  Old '88 marker

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  The Green House marker

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  First Submarine Base marker

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  Truman's Beach marker

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  BATTLE OF FORT SLONGO marker