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History of Southold, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Southold, New York, USA
(Mattituck)
Visit Southold, New York, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.




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Southold, Suffolk, New York, USA
Southold was settled by English colonists in 1640, and in most histories is reported as the first English settlement on Long Island in the future New York State. Lion Gardiner established a manor on Gardiners Island in East Hampton a year earlier in 1639. The Dutch colonists, who had arrived in the region earlier, had settlements to the west- Fort Orange (later renamed Albany by the English) in 1615 and New Amsterdam (later renamed Manhattan) in 1625.
Mattituck is a hamlet and census-designated place in Suffolk County, New York, United States.
English Puritans from New Haven Colony in Connecticut settled in Southold on October 21, 1640. Under the leadership of the Reverend John Youngs, with Peter Hallock, the settlement consisted of the families of Barnabas Horton, John Budd, John Conklin, William Wells, John Tuthill, William Purrier, Richard Terry, Matthias Corwin, Robert Akerly, Zachariah Corey, Isaac Arnold, and James Haines. They had purchased the land in the summer of 1640 from the group of Indians related to the Pequot of New England, who lived in the territory they called Corchaug (now Cutchogue). Settlers spelled the Indian name of what became Southold as Yennicott...
wikipedia
Discover Southold: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Southold was settled by English colonists in 1640
The church built in 1640 served the colonists in Southold not only for religious services but was also the center of town government and its arsenal.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
The church built in 1640 served the colonists in Southold not only for religious services but was also the center of town government and its arsenal.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1684 - A new, larger church is built in Southhold to replace the original church
The colonists dug a dungeon under the original meeting house and used it as a jail for the entire county from 1684 until 1725.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
The colonists dug a dungeon under the original meeting house and used it as a jail for the entire county from 1684 until 1725.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
In 1776, although many Southolders remained loyal to the Crown almost half fled to Connecticut.
It became known that the British were sending an occupying force to Southold to requisition produce and livestock for the British army in New York and to force colonists to take an oath of allegiance to the King...
From 1776 until the war ended in 1783, the British occupied Southold with about 500 infantry and 50 cavalry, off and on, for a total of seven. years. The seat of government was transferred to Mattituck, so that the Redcoats and their Hessian mercenaries could more easily control the town.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
It became known that the British were sending an occupying force to Southold to requisition produce and livestock for the British army in New York and to force colonists to take an oath of allegiance to the King...
From 1776 until the war ended in 1783, the British occupied Southold with about 500 infantry and 50 cavalry, off and on, for a total of seven. years. The seat of government was transferred to Mattituck, so that the Redcoats and their Hessian mercenaries could more easily control the town.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
When England finally evacuated from New York in 1784, many of the refugees of 1776 returned to Southold.
They attempted to rebuild their homesteads, replant crops and forests destroyed by the enemy and replace flocks and herds. Many were forced to borrow on their lands. Farms that had been handed down from father to son for more than a hundred years passed to other families.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
They attempted to rebuild their homesteads, replant crops and forests destroyed by the enemy and replace flocks and herds. Many were forced to borrow on their lands. Farms that had been handed down from father to son for more than a hundred years passed to other families.
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1795 - Methodist Episcopal church built in Southold
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
Around 1810, a Baptist church was built in Southold
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1824 - Southold
A New York State Gazetteer of 1824 describes Southold's houses as "principally old, without paint and very poor". The population was a little less than at the beginning of the Revolution, and included one "foreigner" and 28 free blacks and eleven slaves. ( Slavery in New York State was outlawed in 1827.) The entry on Southold concludes, "The present inhabitants retain the manners and customs of their ancestors, with the same reverence for religion, and sober habits; fraud is seldom practiced and a law-suit is almost as rare as an earthquake."
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
A New York State Gazetteer of 1824 describes Southold's houses as "principally old, without paint and very poor". The population was a little less than at the beginning of the Revolution, and included one "foreigner" and 28 free blacks and eleven slaves. ( Slavery in New York State was outlawed in 1827.) The entry on Southold concludes, "The present inhabitants retain the manners and customs of their ancestors, with the same reverence for religion, and sober habits; fraud is seldom practiced and a law-suit is almost as rare as an earthquake."
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1836 - Universalist church built in Southold
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1844 - The railroad came to Southold
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1854 - Southold
Southold, a post-township of Suffolk co., New York, borders on Long Island sound and Great Peconic bay. Population, 4723.
Southold, a post-village in the above town ship, on the Long Island railroad, 91 miles E. by N. from New York. It contains several churches.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Southold, a post-township of Suffolk co., New York, borders on Long Island sound and Great Peconic bay. Population, 4723.
Southold, a post-village in the above town ship, on the Long Island railroad, 91 miles E. by N. from New York. It contains several churches.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Mattituck’s Episcopal church was built in 1878
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
1879 - Lutheran church built in Southold
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
http://www.southoldtownny.gov/
2023 - Here's a guide to some of the best places to go and things to do in Southold, New York:
Visit Southold's Beaches:
Founders Landing Beach: This tranquil beach offers calm waters and beautiful views. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely picnic.
Kenny's Beach: A hidden gem known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic shoreline. It's a great spot for beachcombing and taking in the sunset.
Explore Wineries and Vineyards:
Bedell Cellars: Known for its award-winning wines and stunning tasting room, Bedell Cellars is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Kontokosta Winery: Enjoy wine tasting with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Croteaux Vineyards: Specializing in rosé wines, Croteaux offers a unique wine-tasting experience in a charming garden setting.
Experience Farm-to-Table Dining:
The North Fork Table & Inn: This renowned restaurant offers a delightful farm-to-table experience with a seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients.
Erik's Breakfast and Lunch: A popular spot for... Read MORE...
Visit Southold's Beaches:
Founders Landing Beach: This tranquil beach offers calm waters and beautiful views. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely picnic.
Kenny's Beach: A hidden gem known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic shoreline. It's a great spot for beachcombing and taking in the sunset.
Explore Wineries and Vineyards:
Bedell Cellars: Known for its award-winning wines and stunning tasting room, Bedell Cellars is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Kontokosta Winery: Enjoy wine tasting with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Croteaux Vineyards: Specializing in rosé wines, Croteaux offers a unique wine-tasting experience in a charming garden setting.
Experience Farm-to-Table Dining:
The North Fork Table & Inn: This renowned restaurant offers a delightful farm-to-table experience with a seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients.
Erik's Breakfast and Lunch: A popular spot for... Read MORE...
Our Southold Gift Ideas
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