MONTAUK, LONG ISLAND

Montauk, Long Island

Montauk is a hamlet and census-designated place located in Suffolk County, on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. It is within the Town of East Hampton. The area is considered a beach resort using its position at the tip of Long Island to promote itself as "The Living End" or "The Last Resort" and become one of the busiest tourist locations within the town of East Hampton. As of the 2000 census, there were 3,851 people, 1,593 households, and 992 families residing in the CDP. The median income for a household in the hamlet was $42,329, and the median income for a family was $50,493. Males had a median income of $40,063 and only $28,299 for females. The latitude of Montauk is 41.035N. The longitude is -71.955W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 33 feet.

Some people say the name derives from Algonquian for "fort" for an Indian stockade on the site. Another says it derives from a term for "hilly land." In 1747, the first known cattle ranch in the nation was established in Montauk. The first hamlet of Montauk was built on Fort Pond Bay near what is the train station for the Long Island Rail Road. It provides train service to Pennsylvania Station and Hampton Jitney provides bus service to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In the 20th century, there were many establishments were constructed in the area which Robert Moses began reproving Benson land to establish state parks on either end of Montauk; Hither Hills State Park in the west and the Montauk Point State Park in the east. The two parks were to be connected via the Montauk Parkway.

The racial-makeup of Montauk comprises of 87.04% White, 0.86% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 9.76% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. The community is served by Montauk Union Free School District which has their own library that help students become literate citizens.Montauk is world renown for its captivating coastlines and pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. It is often referred to as one of the "fishing Capitals of the World" which the area features more than 20 marinas over 200 charter/party fishing boats many reeling in world record and prize winning catches of tuna, shark, striped ball, and fluke. There are also lots of recreational activities including spectacular fishing, a numerous water sports, world class golf, tennis, and abundant restaurants featuring the freshest seafood that really suites everyone’s taste. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of the area’s tourist spots and is considered to be the first lighthouse in New York State and is the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States. Montauk is also a major tourist destination for its six famous state parks: Hither Hills State Park, Shadmoor State Park, Montauk Downs State Park, Amsterdam Beach State Park, Camp Hero State Park, and Montauk Point State Park.