The history of Patchogue

      In the fifteenth century, Patchogue was occupied by the Algonquin tribe, who set up villages along the South Shore of Long Island. They traded throughout Long Island, as well as what is now nortern and western New York and New England. They were hunters and fisherman, and some even engaged in agriculture. Then the European exploreres began to arrive. Spain laid claim to Long Island, including Patchogue, but as time passed, it was eyed by other nations. By the seventeenth century , the Dutch had moved in and eventually the English. 

     The land was described as extremely sandy, covered with scrub oak and undergrowth, and yet, it gradually attracted settlers, especially those who enjoyed the sea air and could make a living fishing or shipbuilding.