Things to do / Travel Guide
Over the years Long Island has remained loyal to its rich history. As a result of this commitment to restoration and preservation, Long Island historical attractions coax you across the boundaries of time for a fleeting encounter with what once was. From the lavish gold coast mansions, to the site of Walt Whitman's birth and inspiration in West Hills to the recreations of colonial life, history is surprisingly well preserved on Long Island.
The most comprehensive view of life in early-1800's Long Island, complete with period costumes and re-enactments is in the Old Bethpage Restoration Village. In Mastic Beach, the William Floyd Estate is a restored plantation going back to colonial times.
Stony Brook Village Center on Long Island, New York
From its quaint, charming village ambience you'll hardly guess that the area was one of the country's first planned business districts and you certainly wouldn't otherwise imagine that George Washington's spy ring was once headquartered in Stony Brook. Located on the North Shore, Stony Brook Village Center, on Main Street, features more than 35 Colonial Revival and Federal-style buildings and quaint stores reconstructed to give tourists a glimpse into our nation's early history. The nine-acre Museums at Stony Brook also on Main Street are not to be missed and while you are in Stony Brook you might want to check out the 1751 historic grist mill.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Long Island, New York
Where else can you see the rhinoceros-foot inkstand, big-game hunting trophies, and the office and study of Theodore Roosevelt? Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, is the site of the beautifully preserved 23-room Queen Anne-style manor that belonged to Theodore Roosevelt and served as the Summer White House during his presidency from 1901-1909. A whopping 90% of the furnishings are original, and almost nothing has been modernized.
Historic Gold Coast Mansions on Long Island, New York
For a foray into the treasure trove of time, tour the North Shore's Gold Coast. The below restored, lavish mansions that once belonged to finance barons and wealthy industrialists are open to the public. Each estate has its own, seasonal schedule.
- Eagles Nest, in Centerport, once belonged to the Vangerbilt family. Built between 1910 and 1936, the interior is decorated with European tapestries, family furnishings, and a marine biology collection that belonged to William K. Vanderbilt II.
- Coe Hall and the Planting Fields, in Oyster Bay, is considered to be one of the most well-maintained estates in Nassau County. Built in the 1920s, the home's lavish and eccentric interior is filled with original artwork and priceless antiques.
- Near Port Washington, at Sands Point Preserve, is the historic and unrestored castle-like mansion, Castlegould and Hempstead House.
- Also at Sands Point Preserve, Normandy-styled Falaise, is a popular attraction.
Historical Sites in Long Island, the Hamptons, Montauk, Fire Island
Historical-Sites
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