Discover Smithtown: History and Nature

Smithtown is well suited to trip planning that gives local history and nature their own distinct focus. The Blydenburgh Farm and New Mill Historic District represents a settlement established in the 19th century; Sweetbriar brings together garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats along the Nissequogue River. Other highlights include a bookable, 45-minute tour in the wildlife rehabilitation area and a bronze statue presented to the community in 1941.

A Settlement in Historical Context

The Blydenburgh Farm and New Mill Historic District is located in Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown and is a settlement established by the Blydenburgh family in the 19th century. Its origins anchor its historical significance in a specific period and make the settlement itself a point of interest. The family name, settlement and park provide clear reference points for understanding the historic site. For travelers who want to get to know Smithtown through its history, its founding is a clear starting point. Tour times may vary; if you plan to include a tour in your itinerary, check the scheduled time before your visit.

Nature and a Tour You Can Plan Ahead

Sweetbriar Nature Center covers 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats along the Nissequogue River. This range means nature here is not limited to a single type of landscape. Together with its riverside setting, it offers a different focus from the history of the settlement: the emphasis is on natural diversity and varied habitats. The 54-acre area is approximately 21.9 hectares, making it easier to understand in metric terms as well.

A 45-minute session at Sweetbriar Nature Center includes a personal tour of the wildlife rehabilitation area, now called the Steven Goldman clinic. Advance reservations are required for the session. Its duration and scope are clearly defined: the tour covers a specific area and lasts 45 minutes. Unlike tours in the historic district, whose times may vary, this session provides a specific time frame for planning your trip.

A Bull Presented to the Public

A 14-foot-tall, five-ton bronze statue of a bull was presented to the people of Smithtown on May 10, 1941. Its dimensions and exact date give it a different historical significance from the founding story of the Blydenburgh district: here, the focus is on a clearly dated event and a single object. The presentation to the people gives the event a community dimension and complements the settlement established in the 19th century with a specific reference to the 20th century. This contrast is useful for travelers looking to understand local history through different periods.

Discover more destinations: Bridgehampton, Saltaire, Cutchogue, Bohemia, Farmingville, Aquebogue, Wainscott, Centereach

For the broader travel overview: Suffolk.