Located in the heart of Suffolk County’s Town of Brookhaven, Selden, NY, is a vibrant hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) with a population of 21,262 as of the 2020 census. Historically known as Westfield, Selden blends a rich Revolutionary War-era heritage with modern suburban growth, making it a dynamic community for families and professionals. At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, based in nearby Ronkonkoma, NY, we are proud to serve the residents of Selden, offering compassionate and expert legal representation to those facing personal injury challenges. Whether you’re drawn to Selden’s historical landmarks, bustling shopping centers, or strong community spirit, this hamlet is a welcoming place to call home.
Selden’s history began in the mid-18th century when farmers settled the area, naming it Westfield. One of its earliest notable residents was Captain Daniel Roe (1740–1820), a veteran of the French and Indian War and a Revolutionary War captain, for whom Captain Daniel Roe Highway is named. Roe built a home along Middle Country Road before the war, and his legacy is preserved in a small family cemetery south of the road behind the Old Westfield shopping center. In 1776, Roe led a raid against a Tory and Hessian detachment near Selden, confronting his cousin, Captain Richard Miller. When Miller attempted to flee, he was shot and died in Roe’s home, marking a dramatic moment in Selden’s Revolutionary history.
By the 19th century, Selden was a small farming community, known for melons and early garden vegetables. In 1815, the Westfield school district (District 25, later District 12) was established, and a Presbyterian church was built in 1857. The hamlet adopted its current name in 1852 when a post office was opened. The name “Selden” was inspired by attorney Henry Selden, who, along with Edward Boyle (namesake of Boyle Road), acquired land in the area. While Selden reportedly promised a “handsome” gesture for the naming, it’s unclear if he followed through. By 1897, the cross-island Bicycle Path ran through Selden, with “Wheelmen’s Rest,” operated by Albert Norton, serving as a popular stop for cyclists.
The 20th century brought significant growth. The Suffolk County Tuberculosis Sanatorium, opened in 1916 on land then considered part of Holtsville, became the main campus of Suffolk County Community College in 1961, now serving over 11,000 students. From 1919 to 1959, Telescope Hill hosted a fire lookout tower, which played a role in spotting a German U-boat during World War II. The paving of Middle Country Road in the late 1920s and the development of “Nature’s Gardens” in 1931 marked the shift to suburbanization, with rapid growth in the 1950s and 1970s transforming Selden into a primarily suburban community.
Covering 4.3 square miles of land, Selden has a population density of 4,695.5 inhabitants per square mile, as reported in the 2000 census. The CDP is home to 6,809 households and 5,522 families, with 43.0% of households having children under 18 and 65.2% consisting of married couples. The racial makeup is diverse, with 91.96% White, 1.88% African American, 0.19% Native American, 2.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.78% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.23% of the population.
The population spans various age groups, with 28.4% under 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% aged 65 or older, with a median age of 34 years. The gender balance is nearly equal, with 97.1 males per 100 females. Economically, Selden is stable, with a median household income of $58,103 and a median family income of $62,708 in 2000. The per capita income was $20,577, though 5.2% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under 18.
Selden’s commercial heart lies along Middle Country Road (New York State Route 25), where shopping centers like Westfield Shopping Center (opened 1972), College Plaza (1975), Selden Plaza (1978), and Independence Plaza (1992) have spurred economic growth. Plans for a “Downtown Selden” around Independence Plaza have attracted local and national businesses, enhancing the hamlet’s vibrancy. The Middle Country Central School District serves Selden, with a public school built in 1935 near Middle Country Road and Bicycle Path, now a branch of the Middle Country Public Library after renovations in the 1980s. The nearby Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus further supports education, offering opportunities for higher learning.
At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we are honored to serve Selden’s residents from our Ronkonkoma office, just minutes away. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident on Middle Country Road, a slip-and-fall at Independence Plaza, or an incident near Suffolk County Community College, our experienced team is dedicated to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the impact of personal injuries and are committed to providing compassionate, expert legal guidance to support your recovery.
As a trusted part of the Suffolk County community, Sullivan Brill takes pride in assisting Selden residents with their legal needs. From navigating complex insurance claims to representing you in court, we are your advocates in protecting your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Ronkonkoma office today to learn how we can support you.
Selden’s blend of Revolutionary War history, suburban growth, and community spirit makes it a standout destination in Suffolk County. From Captain Daniel Roe’s legacy to the bustling shopping centers along Middle Country Road, Selden offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Its strong schools, diverse population, and proximity to educational institutions like Suffolk County Community College enhance its appeal as a place to live, work, and thrive.
For residents facing personal injury challenges, Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is a steadfast partner, proudly serving Selden and its surrounding communities. Discover the enduring charm of Selden, NY, and let us help you navigate your path to recovery with confidence.
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