Islip, New York

About

Islip is a town located in the county of Suffolk in the U.S. state of New York. Its population at the 2010 census was 335,543 and a population density of 2,059 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 322,328 inhabitants.

The town was created 342 years ago in 1682.

Islip is a town in Suffolk County, New York situated on the south shore of Long Island. With over 320,000 residents, it is one of the largest towns in New York.

Early History

The first European settlers arrived in Islip in the mid-17th century. The town was named after Islip in England and officially founded in 1683.

The town's initial development centered around agriculture and seaports. Much of the economy focused on cattle grazing, timber harvesting to build ships, and fishing. Its location on South Shore made Islip well-situated as a maritime center.

In the early 19th century, the construction of South Side Railroad connected Islip to Manhattan and boosted tourism. Resorts, beach hotels, and restaurants started thriving in town.

Growth in the 20th Century

As with other Long Island towns, Islip saw enormous population growth after WWII due to suburban sprawl. Between 1950 to 1980, the population grew almost 600% from 26,000 to over 200,000.

Several large suburban communities like Bay Shore, Brentwood, and Central Islip emerged during this time. The Long Island Expressway's construction in the 1950s further enabled suburb growth.

Islip Today

Present-day Islip retains its diversity of communities, from waterfront neighborhoods to more urban downtowns. The population continues to grow steadily, nearing 350,000 as of 2010.

The town contains MacArthur Airport, one of New York’s primary regional airports. The airport and proximity to NYC make Islip a popular commuter town.

Islip also features miles of beaches, parks, nature preserves, and historic sites that provide recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. The Islip Gull was first identified in 1785 along the Great South Bay, making the town significant for ornithology.

Islip balances its history as a maritime village and early resort town with its growth into a leading Long Island suburb today.

Quick Facts about Islip

Islip Town Hall image

Geography

Islip is located at 40°43'47"N 73°12'37"W (40.7298200, -73.2103900).

Islip map

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People born in Islip, including basketball player Tobias Harris, soccer player Alan Mayer, psychiatrist Dallas Pratt, .

List

• Dawn Ellerbe (American hammer thrower) she was born in 03/04/1974
• Gerald Warner Brace (Novelist, writer, educator, sailor, boat builder) he was born in 24/09/1901
• Jonathan Thompson (American politician) he was born in 07/12/1773
• Ron Nehring (former Chairman, California Republican Party) he was born in 20/05/1970
• Scott Langer (American ice hockey coach) he was born in 17/05/1974
• Sue Weber (American soccer player) she was born in 01/04/1986
• Vincent Fecteau (American artist) he was born in 01/01/1969
• William Ludlow (United States Army officer) he was born in 27/11/1843
• Patti Wicks (American musician and pianist) she was born in 24/02/1945
• John Rando (American theatre director)
• Kyle Rank (American ice hockey goaltender) he was born in 13/08/1987
• George Eustis Paine (New York politician) he was born in 27/08/1920
• Joe Vaux (American animator) he was born in 01/01/1972
• Marissa Skell (American actress) she was born in 01/08/1986
• Kris Statlander (American professional wrestler) she was born in 07/08/1995
• Larry Saperstein (American Actor) he was born in 12/04/1998
• Tredwell Scudder (American politician (1778-1834)) he was born in 01/01/1778