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Springs, New York
Memorial boulders for artists Lee Krasner (foreground) and her husband Jackson Pollock (background) in Green River Cemetery
Memorial boulders for artists Lee Krasner (foreground) and her husband Jackson Pollock (background) in Green River Cemetery
Springs-map.gif
Springs, New York is located in Long Island
Springs, New York
Springs, New York
Location in Long Island
Springs, New York is located in New York
Springs, New York
Springs, New York
Location in New York
Springs, New York is located in the United States
Springs, New York
Springs, New York
Location in the United States
Country United States
State New York
County Suffolk
Town East Hampton
Area
 • Total 12.17 sq mi (31.52 km2)
 • Land 8.48 sq mi (21.96 km2)
 • Water 3.69 sq mi (9.57 km2)
Elevation
10 ft (3 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 8,086
 • Density 953.76/sq mi (368.24/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
11937
Area code(s) 631 and 934
FIPS code 36-70387
GNIS feature ID 0966103

Springs is a small community, also known as a hamlet, located in East Hampton on Long Island, New York. It is part of Suffolk County. In 2020, about 8,086 people lived there. Springs is famous for being a home to many well-known artists and writers.

Exploring Springs: Location and Size

Springs is found on the South Fork of Long Island. It covers an area of about 9.2 square miles (23.8 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a smaller part being water.

A Look at Springs' Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
2020 8,086
U.S. Decennial Census

The population of Springs has grown over the years. In 2020, the community had 8,086 residents.

Springs' Artistic History

Springs, NY NRHP collection 24
Pollock - Krasner house and study center sign
Springs, NY NRHP collection 39
Springs Fireplace Rd sign

Springs is very important in the art world. It is known as the birthplace of the abstract expressionist movement. This was a new style of art where artists painted with strong emotions and unique techniques.

Famous Artists and Writers in Springs

Many famous artists, like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and John Ferren, lived and worked in Springs. Well-known writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller, and John Steinbeck also lived nearby. They liked Springs because it felt like the countryside, even though it was close to New York City. Homes here were also more affordable than in other parts of East Hampton.

The Story of the "Bonackers"

Local people from Springs are traditionally called "Bonackers." This name comes from Accabonac Harbor, a place in Springs. Even the sports teams at East Hampton High School are called the Bonackers!

Roads and Landmarks

The main roads connecting Springs to East Hampton are Springs-Fireplace Road and Three Mile Harbor Road. Springs-Fireplace Road got its name from old fireplaces at its end. These fireplaces were used to send smoke signals to people on Gardiners Island when supplies were ready for them.

Jackson Pollock's Legacy

Artist Jackson Pollock died in a car accident on Springs-Fireplace Road in 1956. He and his wife, Lee Krasner, are buried in Green River Cemetery. Pollock's grave is marked by a large stone, while Krasner's has a smaller one. Many other artists and writers have been buried there since.

Visiting the Pollock-Krasner House

The Pollock-Krasner House and Studio is a special place on Springs-Fireplace Road. It is now owned by Stony Brook University. You can visit it by making an appointment. Inside, you can see Pollock's studio, where dried paint splatters on the floor show how he created his famous works. The area around the house is a historic district in East Hampton.

Learning in Springs

The Springs Union Free School District runs the Springs School. This school teaches students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade. After eighth grade, students go to East Hampton High School.

Places to See in Springs

Springs has many interesting landmarks and places to visit:

  • Ashawagh Hall
  • Barnes's Country Store
  • Charles Parsons Blacksmith Building
  • Green River Cemetery
  • Merrill Lake Sanctuary, a nature preserve
  • Pollock-Krasner House and Studio
  • Pussy's Pond Park
  • Springs General Store
  • Springs Historical Society (Springs Library)
  • Springs School

Beaches in Springs

If you love the water, Springs has several beaches:

  • Accabonac Beach
  • Barnes Hole Beach
  • Clearwater Beach (this one is private)
  • Louse Point Beach
  • Maidstone Park Beach
  • Sammys Beach

Notable People from Springs

Many talented people have called Springs home:

  • Joseph Heller (1923-1999): A famous author who wrote novels, short stories, and plays.
  • Lee Krasner (1908-1984): An amazing abstract expressionist painter and the wife of Jackson Pollock.
  • Marijane Meaker (1927-2022): An author who wrote novels, children's stories, and biographies.
  • Jackson Pollock (1912-1956): A very important painter and a main figure in the abstract expressionist art movement.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Springs (Nueva York) para niños

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