Riverhead is a town on the north shore of Long Island, Suffolk County, New York, United States. Riverhead has been the county seat of Suffolk County since 1727, although the majority of county offices are located in Hauppauge. The population at the time of the 2020 census was 35,902. The town takes its name from the Peconic River, whose mouth it occupies. Riverhead, a tiny hamlet located within the town, is the primary economic hub. The town lies 76 miles northeast of New York City and 166 miles southwest of Boston via the Orient Point-New London Ferry. Learn more about the geography of Riverhead, NY.

History of Riverhead, New York

In 1649, European colonists acquired "Southold land" from Algonquian-speaking Native Americans and the Shinnecock Indian Nation. In 1742, an additional piece was acquired from Colonel William Smith and distributed to settlers.

Riverhead was founded in 1792 as part of the establishment of new jurisdictions following the American Revolution. It was separated from the town of Southold, New York, which is to the north and east, by the New York State Legislature. Riverhead was separated at the request of its residents, who "represented to the Legislature that their town is so long that it is very inconvenient for them [people of western regions of Southold] to attend town meetings, and also to conduct the other necessary business of the said town, and have prayed that it be divided into two towns." Thus, the poor western areas of Southold, which lacked a harbor and commerce, were separated. On March 13, 1792, the Legislature enacted a law breaking off this section under the name River Head. The inaugural town meeting of the new enclave was scheduled for April 3, 1792.

River Head was designated as the county seat of Suffolk County (at the time, a "county town"), and its name was later shortened to Riverhead.

During the 19th century, Riverhead developed as a hub of agriculture and commerce, with a number of farms and businesses operating in the area. The town also played a significant role in the whaling industry, with several shipyards located along the Peconic River.

In the 20th century, Riverhead underwent significant development, with the construction of several residential neighborhoods and the expansion of the town's commercial district. Today, Riverhead is a diverse community with a strong economic base, known for its agriculture and aquaculture industries, as well as its tourism and retail sectors.

Overall, the history of Riverhead is a rich and diverse one, reflecting the town's evolution from a small agricultural community to a thriving and vibrant place to live and work.