The history of Long Island is as old as America itself (and before). We found these early drawings and photographs depicting life on Long island before 1900.

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-USZ62-40413 (b&w film copy neg.)]

 

Long Island. East Marion B. C. Tuthill store and Post Office. Photograph shows neighborhood store with individuals on porch of building with "B. C. Tuthill"; shovel, pitchforks and rake on display outside on porch; ads in front windows; man in horse and buggy in foreground. Created / Published: between 1890 and 1900.

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-USZ62-50717 (b&w film copy neg.)]

 

Fisherman's House near Easthampton Beach. Created / Published: 1884. Illus. in: The New Long Island (1880).

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-USZ62-119203 (b&w film copy neg.)]

 

The last of the Shinnecock Indians L.I. N.Y. / B.M. Franklin, Flushing, N.Y. 1884.

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-DIG-ds-11203 (digital file from original)]

 

Country residence ("Idle Hour") for William K. and Alva Vanderbilt, Oakdale, Long Island, New York. Photograph shows mansion designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Hunt, Richard Morris, 1827-1895, architect. Created / Published: 1880.

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-DIG-pga-04923 (digital file from original item)]

 

Long Island sound. Currier & Ives. Created / Published New York : Published by Currier & Ives, c1869.

 

Photo: Library of Congress. No known restrictions on publication. [LC-USZ62-31142 (b&w film copy neg.)]

A view of the seat of the Hon. Selah Strong, Esqr., St. George's Manor, Sussex County, Long Island / [?] del. ; Tiebout sculp.. Print shows view of manor house in Sussex County, Long Island, New York. Contributor Names: Tiebout, Cornelius, 1777-1832, engraver. Created / Published: 1792. (The description of this print says Sussex County but in the photo the engraving is titled Suffolk County.)