East Hampton's Main Street Historic District
East Hampton, a charming village with a rich history, invites visitors to explore its Main Street Historic District. This area offers a fascinating glimpse into the village's evolution from its founding in 1648, through its agricultural years, and into its transformation as a sought-after summer resort.
The Heart of East Hampton: The Village Green
The story begins with the Village Green, established by settlers from New England. They laid out a broad common beside Hook Pond, which soon became the center of their Puritan village. Remnants of this early settlement, including Town Pond and the South End Burying Ground with gravestones from the 1600s, still exist today.
East Side Walking Tour: A Journey Through History
Village Hall (Lyman Beecher House)
Once home to Rev. Lyman Beecher (1799-1810), this building features a Greek Revival doorway added by George Hand in 1850. Today, it serves as the East Hampton Village Hall.
Huntting Inn
Originally built for Rev. Nathaniel Huntting in 1699, this house has been expanded over the years and has operated as an inn since the American Revolution.
David Huntting House
Dating back to circa 1800, this residence retains its historical charm despite modifications in 1923. It remains a private home.
First Presbyterian Church
This Romanesque revival church from 1861 was remodeled in 1960, adding a portico, bell tower, and spire.
Presbyterian Manse
Built in the 1830s for cobbler Thomas Isaacs, this house was expanded in the 1880s.
Sherrill House
Samuel Sherrill’s home, built in 1800, features a beautiful federal doorway and reflects the early conservative tastes of the residents.
Frank Cartwright House
A Queen Anne style home from 1885, notable for its high ceilings, large veranda, and decorative verge board.
Thomas Wickham House
Originally an early saltbox, this house was remodeled in 1865 with a gable roof. Dr. George Huntington, known for his research on Huntington’s Disease, lived here in the 1870s.
Jeremiah Mulford House
Built around 1860 for Capt. Jeremiah Mulford, this house combines Greek Revival and Italianate styles.
James Arrowsmith House
One of East Hampton’s few Italianate houses, built in 1870, known for its tall windows and bold window hoods.
Samuel G. Mulford House
A circa 1800 house, typical of "single houses" that are only one room wide.
Guild Hall
Opened in 1931 and designed by architect Aymar Embury, this Georgian Revival building serves as a cultural hub for visual and performing arts.
Exploring the Mulford Farm
The Historical Mulford Farm
Built around 1680 and acquired by Samuel Mulford in 1711, this farm remained in the family until 1948. The farm represents the early home lots with its house, barn, and open fields, illustrating the village’s agricultural heritage.
Gardiner Windmill
Built in 1804 by Nathaniel Dominy V, this windmill stands on its original site and showcases the local timber framer’s craft.
Home Sweet Home and Other Historic Residences
Home Sweet Home
This 1720 house, remodeled in 1750 by Capt. Elisha Jones with Georgian interiors, is famously connected to John Howard Payne’s lyrics. Visitors can tour the interior spaces, which reflect the refined life envisioned by its early inhabitants.
Pantigo Windmill
Constructed in 1804, this windmill is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, with its intricate wooden gears and dense timber frame.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Modeled after All Saints Church in Maidstone, England, this 1909 church adds to the romantic English-like feel of East Hampton.
Preservation and Legacy
The Ladies Village Improvement Society has played a significant role in preserving the historic charm of East Hampton. Through their efforts, areas like the Town Pond, South End Burying Ground, and Village Green were entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
East Hampton’s Main Street Historic District is not just a collection of old buildings; it’s a living museum that tells the story of a community’s evolution over centuries. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates charming locales, East Hampton offers a rich, immersive experience. So, take a stroll down Main Street and step back in time to explore the heart and soul of this historic village.
![File:East Hampton Free Library, 159 Main Street, East Hampton, New York. Entrance LCCN2008680056.jpg File:East Hampton Free Library, 159 Main Street, East Hampton, New York. Entrance LCCN2008680056.jpg](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ac571e8-d0e6-4df2-9824-156e6cc2e9b5_729x600.jpeg)