Smithtown is a town located on the North Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York. With a population of 117,801 as of the 2020 census, it is one of the larger towns on Long Island. Smithtown has a rich history dating back to the 17th century and is home to many historic landmarks.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Smithtown, the town had a population of 26,787 at the 2010 census. As of 2020, the estimated population had grown to 117,801, making it one of the more populous towns on Long Island. Smithtown is comprised of several hamlets and unincorporated areas including Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Nesconset, Saint James, Nissequogue, and Smithtown.
History
Smithtown was first settled in 1665 by Richard Smith, who came to Long Island from Southampton, England. He purchased a land grant in what was then called Setauket from the local Native American tribe. The town of Smithtown was officially established in 1677. Many historic homes and properties from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved in Smithtown, including the Smithtown Bull, the town’s iconic statue located on Route 25.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Smithtown is driven by skilled manufacturing, technical, service and professional businesses. Some of the major employers in town include Northwell Health, Teachers Federal Credit Union, CA Technologies, Quality King Distributors, Nature’s Bounty, and Rexcorp Realty. The downtown Smithtown area hosts many small businesses, boutiques, and restaurants that draw tourists and visitors to the town.
Landmarks
Some of the most famous landmarks in Smithtown include:
- The Smithtown Bull – This 11-foot tall bronze statue of a bull stands at the fork of Jericho Turnpike and Route 25 in Smithtown’s downtown and is the town’s official symbol.
- St. Patrick’s Church – Built in 1873, this Gothic Revival Catholic church is renowned for its stained glass windows.
- Smithtown Branch Library – The original 1901 building houses the town’s history room and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Smithtown Landing Country Club – This private golf club first opened in 1889, making it one of the oldest country clubs in the U.S.
Parks and Recreation
Smithtown offers many outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Popular parks and preserves include:
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve – This state park offers hiking trails, nature programs, cross-country skiing, and more.
- Nissequogue River State Park – Home to hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with views of the scenic Nissequogue River.
- Blydenburgh County Park – Features scenic walking trails, sports fields, fishing, and rowboat rentals.
Sports
The town is home to the famous Smithtown Youth Baseball League which has been around since the 1920s. Many MLB players including Al Leiter and John Franco played in Smithtown as kids. The town also has adult recreational sports leagues for softball, soccer, golf, and more.
The Smithtown High School sports teams, known as the Smithtown Bulls, compete in Section XI of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The boys basketball team has had particular success, winning the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A State Championship in 1976.
Education
The Smithtown Central School District operates eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools serving over 6,400 students. The district’s two high schools are Smithtown High School East and Smithtown High School West. Several private and parochial schools also serve the area.
Things to Do
Some popular attractions and activities in Smithtown include:
- Dining and shopping in the town’s quaint downtown area.
- Attending a summer concert at Smithtown Landing.
- Playing golf at the Smithtown Landing Country Club or Rolling Oaks Golf Course.
- Swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating at Sunken Meadow State Park.
- Exploring the hiking and biking trails at Blydenburgh County Park and Caleb Smith State Park.
- Checking out historical landmarks like the Smithtown Bull, St. Patrick’s Church, and the Smithtown Library.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup of Smithtown was:
- White: 90.5%
- Asian: 4.6%
- Two or more races: 2.6%
- Black or African American: 1.0%
- Other race: 1.0%
- Native American: 0.1%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%
The median age was 42.8 years old. 24.9% of the population was under 18 years old and 16.5% was 65 years and over. 50.3% of the population was female.
Conclusion
In summary, Smithtown is a historic Long Island town with a growing population. It offers residents a high quality of life with top-rated schools, robust municipal services, abundant recreation options, and a mix of business centers and quaint downtowns. The town honors its colonial roots while continuing to develop a thriving local economy. With its prime North Shore location, Smithtown will likely continue to attract families and new businesses to the community.