Welcome to the Southampton Village Historical Walking Tours — a journey through one of America's oldest and most storied communities.
First settled in 1640 as part of Southampton Town and incorporated as the Village of Southampton in 1894, this community began with a small group of English settlers who sailed from Lynn, Massachusetts and landed at what is now known as Conscience Point, establishing the first permanent English settlement in New York State.
From its earliest days, Southampton's history has been deeply connected to the land and waters surrounding it. The Shinnecock Indian Nation played a vital role in the survival of the early settlers, sharing knowledge of farming, fishing, shellfishing, and local resources that helped sustain the growing community.
Over the centuries, Southampton evolved from a small colonial settlement into a thriving maritime and agricultural village. Farming, fishing, duck-raising, and eventually the whaling industry shaped daily life and fueled the local economy throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1872, Southampton entered a new era as wealthy New Yorkers discovered the beauty of the East End and began building the grand estates and summer retreats that helped define the Village's character in the early 20th century.
Today, Southampton Village is a unique blend of colonial history, maritime heritage, natural beauty, architecture, art and culture.
Step back in time and explore the streets, landmarks, businesses, homes and stories that shaped generations of life in Southampton.
As our nation approaches its 250th Anniversary, the Village is proud to launch this Historical Walking Tour series as a way to celebrate and preserve the people, places and moments that continue to define Southampton Village's remarkable history.
