East Hampton, New York

East Hampton, New York
Name	East Hampton, New York
Settlement type	Town
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Suffolk
Leader title	Town Supervisor
Leader name	Peter Van Scoyoc
Area total sq mi	386.5
Population total	28036
Population as of	2020

East Hampton, New York is a prominent town located at the eastern end of Long Island in Suffolk County. Renowned for its pristine beaches, historic villages, and as a long-time summer destination for affluent New York City residents, it encompasses several hamlets including its namesake village, Amagansett, Montauk, and Springs. The area is governed by a Town Supervisor and a Town Council under the town law of New York.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Montaukett people before English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, led by founders like Lion Gardiner, purchased land in the mid-17th century. Early industries included whaling, sealing, and fishing, with the port of Montauk playing a key role. During the American Revolutionary War, the region was a base for Continental Navy privateers and was raided by British forces. The 19th century saw the rise of the potato farming industry and the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road, which connected it to New York City. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked its transformation into a resort community, attracting artists and writers from the Ashcan School and figures like Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 386.5 square miles, a significant portion of which is water, including parts of Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It includes the peninsula ending at Montauk Point and shares borders with the Town of Southampton. Notable geographic features include Gardiners Island, Georgica Pond, and the oceanfront beaches like Main Beach and Two Mile Hollow Beach. The region is part of the Long Island Pine Barrens and several areas are protected by the Nature Conservancy and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 28,036. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller populations of Hispanic, African American, and Asian residents. The Census Bureau reports a high median household income compared to national averages, with a significant number of homes being seasonal. The population swells considerably during the summer months with an influx of seasonal residents and visitors.

Economy

The economy is heavily driven by tourism and real estate, with high-value property transactions common in villages like Amagansett and the hamlet of East Hampton. The art market is significant, supported by institutions like the Guild Hall. Other sectors include construction, landscaping, retail catering to luxury goods, and restaurants. Agriculture persists through farm stands, vineyards, and fisheries operating out of ports like Montauk. Major employers include the East Hampton Union Free School District and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Culture and recreation

The area is a major cultural hub, home to the Guild Hall museum and theater, the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, and the Home, Sweet Home Museum. It hosts events like the East Hampton Historical Society's Marine Museum activities and the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Renowned beaches such as Main Beach and Coopers Beach offer public access, while parks like Hither Hills State Park and Montauk Point State Park provide extensive recreation. The South Fork is also known for its surfing, sport fishing, and links to celebrities and the Hamptons International Film Festival.

Government

The town operates under a Town Council system with an elected Town Supervisor, currently Peter Van Scoyoc, and a Town Board. It provides services through departments like the Police Department and the Building Department. The town is part of New York's 1st congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Nick LaLota, and in the New York State Senate by Anthony Palumbo. Local jurisdictions include incorporated villages like East Hampton Village, which has its own Mayor and Board of Trustees.

Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Populated coastal places in New York (state) Category:Hamptons