Located on the picturesque North Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, Smithtown, NY, is a vibrant town within the New York metropolitan area, boasting a population of 116,296 as of the 2020 Census. Known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and strong community spirit, Smithtown offers a unique blend of suburban charm and historical significance. At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, based in nearby Ronkonkoma, NY, we are proud to serve the residents of Smithtown, providing dedicated legal support to those navigating personal injury challenges. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, Smithtown’s storied past and thriving present make it a remarkable place to call home.
Smithtown’s origins trace back to the 17th century, when the land was home to the Nissequogue Native Americans. The town’s founding is tied to English settler Richard Smith, who, according to local legend, was granted a vast tract of land by the Nissequogue Grand Sachem Wyandanch in 1665. The apocryphal tale claims that after Smith helped rescue Wyandanch’s kidnapped daughter, the chief allowed Smith to claim all the land he could encircle in one day while riding a bull on the summer solstice. This story, though widely celebrated, is considered a myth by historians. Instead, records show that Lion Gardiner, another settler, rescued the princess, and Smith, a friend of Gardiner, purchased the Nissequogue lands from him in 1663. The transaction was formalized by colonial Governor Richard Nicolls through “The Nicolls Patent of 1665,” officially establishing Smithtown.
The town, originally called Smithfield, grew steadily, with its borders partially defined by Bread and Cheese Hollow Road, named for a spot where Smith reportedly paused for a lunch of bread and cheese during his legendary ride. A large statue of Smith’s bull, named Whisper, stands at the fork of Jericho Turnpike and St. Johnland Road, commemorating this folklore. In 2015, Smithtown celebrated its 350th anniversary with a new statue of Richard Smith, unveiled at the intersection of Main Street and Route 111, honoring the town’s founder.
Smithtown’s history also includes significant moments, such as the Revolutionary War battle at Fort Salonga in 1781, located on the border with Huntington. In more recent history, the hamlet of Nesconset gained attention during the 1992 Katie Beers kidnapping case, though claims tying the incident to the local Spaceplex amusement park were debunked.
Spanning 111.5 square miles, Smithtown comprises 53.8 square miles of land and 57.7 square miles of water, with Long Island Sound to the north, Islip to the south, Brookhaven to the east, and Huntington to the west. The 2000 census recorded 115,715 residents, 38,487 households, and 31,482 families, with a population density of 2,159.9 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup is diverse, with 95.51% White, 0.65% Black or African American, 0.01% Native American, 1.7% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. The town’s population is spread across age groups, with 26.0% under 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% aged 65 or older, with a median age of 38 years.
Smithtown’s households reflect a family-oriented community, with 38.5% having children under 18 and 71.6% consisting of married couples. The median household income in 2007 was $100,165, and the median family income was $110,776, indicating a prosperous economic environment. However, 3.0% of the population lives below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under 18. The town’s residents claim diverse ancestries, including Italian (35.3%), Irish (26.0%), German (18.7%), Polish (6.9%), English (5.0%), and Russian (4.1%).
Smithtown is a bustling town with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Main Street, home to the town hall built in 1912 and dedicated to former Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio in 2015, serves as a central hub for community activities. The town is governed by a Town Supervisor and a four-member Town Council, with current Supervisor Edward Wehrheim leading since 2018 after a historic 40-year tenure by Vecchio, the longest-serving town supervisor in New York State history. The Town Board, including Councilmembers Lynne Nowick, Thomas J. McCarthy, Lisa Inzerillo, and Thomas W. Lohmann, works to maintain Smithtown’s quality of life.
The town’s hamlets, including Smithtown, Nesconset, Kings Park, Commack, and Hauppauge, offer a range of recreational and commercial opportunities. Residents enjoy proximity to Long Island Sound, local parks, and cultural landmarks like the Smithtown Bull statue. The town’s strong Republican political tradition is evident in its voting patterns, with areas like Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, and the Branch showing consistent support, though edges like Commack and Hauppauge are more competitive.
At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we are honored to serve the residents of Smithtown from our Ronkonkoma office. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident along Jericho Turnpike, a slip-and-fall in a local business, or any other incident, our experienced team is dedicated to securing the compensation and justice you deserve. We understand the impact of personal injuries on your life and are committed to providing compassionate, expert legal support to help you recover.
Our firm is deeply connected to the Suffolk County community, and we take pride in assisting Smithtown residents with their legal needs. From navigating complex insurance claims to representing you in court, Sullivan Brill is here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Ronkonkoma office today to learn how we can support you.
Smithtown’s blend of history, community, and natural beauty makes it a standout destination on Long Island’s North Shore. From the legendary tale of Richard Smith’s bull ride to the modern vibrancy of its hamlets, the town offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying local parks, or engaging in community events, Smithtown provides a welcoming environment for all.
For residents facing personal injury challenges, Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is a trusted partner, proudly serving Smithtown and its surrounding communities. Discover the enduring spirit of Smithtown, NY, and let us help you navigate your path to recovery with confidence.
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