These facts offer a glimpse into the island's enduring connection to the sea and its role in shaping maritime traditions that continue to flourish today.
Whaling Legacy: Long Island's maritime history is deeply intertwined with whaling. In the 19th century, Sag Harbor on the East End was a major whaling port, sending ships on dangerous voyages to hunt whales for their oil and other valuable resources.
Ship Building Era: Port Jefferson Village’s shipbuilding industry spanned over a century, from approximately 1797 (when its first shipyard was built) to its close in the 1920’s. As a shipbuilding hub, Port Jefferson’s main role was to build and support ships that participated in coastal freighting trades. Patchogue, Freeport, Northport and other coastal towns have contributed to Long Island’s boat building past.
Lighthouses and Navigation: Long Island's coastlines prompted the construction of several iconic lighthouses. Montauk Point Lighthouse, completed in 1796, is one of the oldest in the United States and stands as a testament to the island's dedication to safe navigation. The Fire Island Lighthouse, completed in 1858, also stands as a symbol of Long Island's maritime heritage. It has been lovingly restored and preserved, serving as a beacon for sailors and a testament to the island's past. Also read: Crazy Facts About the Fire Island Lighthouse
Bay Houses: A handful of little bay homes still dot the marshlands of Hempstead Bay, a holdover of the shacks that baymen built to be close to the water where they made their living starting as far back as the 1600s. These tiny homes have no electricity, no permanent foundations and are prone to floating away in exceptionally high tides. Also read: Crazy Facts About Long Island Bay Houses
Naval Aviation History: Long Island's history is not limited to sailing ships. The Grumman Corporation, based in Bethpage, played a pivotal role in naval aviation history. Also read: Crazy Facts About Grumman
Preservation Efforts: Long Island's maritime history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical societies, and organizations. Museums such as the Long Island Maritime Museum and the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum showcase the island's nautical heritage.
Revolutionary War Significance: Long Island played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The Culper Spy Ring, headquartered in Setauket, utilized boats to gather intelligence and ferry messages, contributing to the success of the American cause. Also read: Crazy Facts About George Washington’s Long Island Spies
Fishing Industry: Long Island's waters have long supported a thriving fishing industry. The island's coastal communities, such as Montauk, have been hubs for commercial fishing, with boats ranging from small trawlers to larger vessels used for deep-sea fishing. Also read: 12 Movies About Long Island Including Jaws
Sloop Preservation: Christeen, a 38-foot gaff-rigged sloop, is the oldest oyster sloop in America and a National Historic Landmark. She was originally built in 1883 for Captain William Smith in Glenwood Landing, New York for harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.