Oyster Bay, New York

About

Oyster Bay is a town located in the county of Nassau in the U.S. state of New York. Its population at the 2010 census was 293,214. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 296,592 inhabitants.

Oyster Bay is a hamlet and census-designated place located on the North Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, New York. It covers the Township of Oyster Bay, which contains over 40 villages and hamlets.

Early Settlement

The first European settlers arrived in Oyster Bay in 1653. The area was originally home to Native Americans of the Matinecock tribe, who fished the plentiful oyster beds.

The town was incorporated in 1667 under English rule. Shipbuilding, oystering, and farming drove the early economy. Oystermen harvesting shellfish became key to supporting development in the area.

In the late 1700s, Oyster Bay emerged as a trading seaport and shipbuilding center. Sloops, schooners, and eventually steamboats connected it to New York City markets. The town's shipyards and timber resources enabled maritime commerce.

Growth in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Construction of the Long Island Railroad’s Oyster Bay Line in 1889 connected the hamlet directly to New York City. Wealthy industrialists like the Vanderbilts built mansions in the area, establishing Oyster Bay as a Gilded Age suburb by the water.

Tourism grew as a major element of the local economy through the early 20th century. Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill estate on Cove Neck brought visitation to the area as well.

Like other Long Island towns, Oyster Bay saw significant suburban expansion after WWII. However, planning maintained much of the hamlet's historic character and maritime roots near the harbor.

Oyster Bay Today

Present-day Oyster Bay hamlet still retains its old maritime village layout and historic charm. A number of colonial-era buildings have been carefully preserved, and the waterfront remains dotted with private yacht clubs.

At the same time, Oyster Bay functions as an affluent suburban community with historic estates. The township’s 40,000+ residents enjoy picturesque neighborhoods, strong public schools, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Oyster Bay has balanced population growth with maintaining its heritage. The hamlet honors its origins as a 17th century Long Island maritime village, while evolving into a desirable and vibrant suburb.

Quick Facts about Oyster Bay

Sagamore Hill image

Geography

Oyster Bay is located at 40°51'56"N 73°31'55"W (40.8656500, -73.5320700).

Oyster Bay map

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People born in Oyster Bay, including sculptor of wax figures Patience Wright, politician James W. Covert, journalist, war reporter Marie Colvin, .

List

• Heather Matarazzo (American actress) she was born in 10/11/1982
• Danielle Harris (American actress) she was born in 01/06/1977
• Henry Norris Russell (American astronomer) he was born in 25/10/1877
• Kermit Roosevelt (United States Army officer) he was born in 10/10/1889
• Andy Laster (American musician and clarinetist) he was born in 25/05/1961
• David R. Floyd-Jones (American politician (1813-1871)) he was born in 06/04/1813
• Gary Smulyan (Jazz baritone saxophonist) he was born in 04/04/1956
• Leonard W. Hall (American lawyer and politician, United States Representative from New York (1900-1979)) he was born in 02/10/1900
• Nelson Doubleday, Jr. (American publisher) he was born in 20/07/1933
• Robert Feke (American painter (1705-1750)) he was born in 01/01/1705
• Daniel D. Whitney (American politician) he was born in 01/01/1818
• Henry Townsend (American settler) he was born in 01/01/1649
• John Merritt Sammis (American merchant) he was born in 01/01/1820
• Jon Weeks (American football player) he was born in 17/02/1986
• Quentin Roosevelt II (fourth child of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.) he was born in 04/11/1919
• Mark Haines (American journalist and television show presenter) he was born in 19/04/1946
• Paula Boland (American politician) she was born in 17/01/1940
• Solomon Townsend (American politician) he was born in 01/01/1746