Oyster Bay, New York
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| Oyster Bay, New York | |
|---|---|
| Name | Oyster Bay |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Nassau County |
| Leader title | Supervisor |
| Leader name | Joseph Saladino |
| Area total sq mi | 169.2 |
| Population total | 301,332 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 40, 46, N, 73... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 11771, 11732, 11791, 11801, others |
| Area code | 516, 363 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 36-55987 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0979315 |
| Website | https://www.oysterbaytown.com/ |
Oyster Bay, New York is a town in Nassau County on the North Shore of Long Island. Encompassing numerous hamlets and villages, including its namesake hamlet, it is renowned for its deep historical roots, affluent communities, and significant coastal geography. The town is famously associated with President Theodore Roosevelt, who maintained his Sagamore Hill estate there, and it serves as a major hub for maritime activity and suburban living within the New York metropolitan area.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Matinecock tribe before being settled by English colonists in the mid-17th century, with the town officially established in 1667. It played a notable role during the American Revolutionary War, serving as a base for British naval operations and the infamous Culper Spy Ring, which reported to General George Washington. The 19th century saw the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road, spurring growth and the development of grand estates, most significantly the home of Theodore Roosevelt, who as the 26th President of the United States made the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site the "Summer White House." The town was also the longtime home of the philanthropist and sportsman John Hay Whitney and the site of the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, the former estate of William Robertson Coe.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 169.2 square miles, of which 105.0 square miles is land and 64.2 square miles is water, featuring an extensive coastline along the Long Island Sound and Oyster Bay Harbor. Major bodies of water include Cold Spring Harbor, Centre Island Sound, and Mill Neck Creek, while the terrain ranges from wooded hills in the north to flatter areas in the south. The town contains several distinct communities, including the villages of Bayville, Laurel Hollow, and Mill Neck, and hamlets such as Syosset, Woodbury, and Farmingdale.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 301,332, representing a diverse and generally affluent populace. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with significant Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities, particularly in areas like Hicksville and Bethpage. The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, with educational attainment levels also high; many residents work in professional sectors in Manhattan or for major local employers like Northwell Health and Cablevision.
Government and politics
Oyster Bay operates under a town supervisor-council form of government, with Joseph Saladino serving as Town Supervisor. The town government administers a wide range of services, including the Oyster Bay Town Board, the Department of Public Works, and the Oyster Bay Police Department. Politically, the town has historically been a stronghold for the Republican Party, consistently supporting GOP candidates in presidential elections, though local races can be competitive and areas like Plainview show more diverse voting patterns.
Economy
The town's economy is a mix of suburban commerce, light industry, and maritime enterprises. Major corporate presences have included Cablevision (now part of Altice USA), 1-800-Flowers, and Henry Schein, with significant retail corridors along routes like the Long Island Expressway and Jericho Turnpike. The Farmingdale State College and associated Broad Hollow Bioscience Park contribute to technology and education sectors, while the waterfront supports a historic oyster farming industry, commercial fishing, and boatyards, alongside tourism linked to sites like Sagamore Hill National Historic Site and the WaterFront Center.
Culture and recreation
Cultural institutions include the Raynham Hall Museum, a historic site connected to the Culper Spy Ring, the Oyster Bay Historical Society, and the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center. The town hosts annual events like the Oyster Festival and the Christmas Holiday Light Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Recreational facilities are extensive, featuring town parks such as Tobay Beach, Bethpage State Park—home to the Bethpage Black Course which has hosted the U.S. Open—and the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, with its Coe Hall mansion and botanical gardens.
Category:Towns in New York (state) Category:Towns in Nassau County, New York Category:Populated coastal places in New York (state)