"An indispensable addition to the bookshelves of those interested in Long Island history, with special appeal to those living or visiting on the East End who want to delve into its past."—Natalie A. Naylor, Professor Emerita, Hofstra University
"At last! A comprehensive overview from prehistory to today of a unique and most interesting area – the Peconic Estuary with its encircling North and South Forks – fascinating for newcomers as well as ‘old timers’ and historians."—Gaynell Stone, Ph.D., Director, Suffolk County Archaeological Association
"A vibrant recounting of 400 years of regional history."—Long Island History Journal
"An engrossing collage of folklore and facts that tells an abbreviated but well-curated episodic history of Long Island’s eastern forks."—The East Hampton Star
Description
Bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and on the north by Long Island Sound, the Peconic Bay region, including the North and South Forks, has only recently been recognized for its environmental and economic significance. The story of the waterway and its contiguous land masses is one of farmers and fishermen, sailing vessels and submarines, wealthy elite residents, and award winning vineyards.
Peconic Bay examines the past 400 years of the region’s history, tracing the growth of the fishing industry, the rise of tourism, and the impact of a military presence in the wake of September 11. Weigold introduces readers to the people of Peconic Bay’s colorful history—from Albert Einstein and Captain Kidd, to Clara Barton and Kofi Annan—as well as to the residents who have struggled, and continue to struggle, over the well-being of their community and their estuarine connection to the planet. Throughout, Weigold brings to life the region’s rich sense of place and shines a light on its unique role in our nation’s history.
About the Author
Marilyn E. Weigold is professor of history, University Historian, and assistant chair of the Department of Economics, History and Political Science at Pace University. A specialist in regional and environmental history, she is the author of Long Island Sound: Its People, Places and Environment.
Series: New York State and Regional studies
6 x 9, 320 pages, 10 black and white illustrations, 1 maps
February 2019