Port Jefferson

Port Jefferson (also known as Port Jeff) is a village in the town of Brookhaven, located in Suffolk County, New York. It is situated on the North Shore of Long Island. The village is named after President Thomas Jefferson, reflecting its early aspirations to become a great national seaport.

History

Port Jefferson was first settled in the 17th century and was known as Drowned Meadow because of the area's tendency to flood. It was renamed to Port Jefferson in 1836 when it became a major shipbuilding center. The village was incorporated in 1963.

Geography

Port Jefferson is located at the mouth of the Port Jefferson Harbor on the Long Island Sound. The village is approximately 60 miles east of New York City. The area is characterized by its hilly terrain and its three harbors.

Economy

The economy of Port Jefferson is diverse, with a mix of small businesses, healthcare, education, and tourism. The Stony Brook University Hospital and the Port Jefferson School District are among the largest employers in the area.

Transportation

Port Jefferson is served by the Long Island Rail Road on the Port Jefferson Branch. The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry provides a vital transportation link between Long Island and New England.

Education

The Port Jefferson School District serves the educational needs of the village. The district operates three schools: Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, Port Jefferson Middle School, and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.

Notable people

Several notable individuals have hailed from Port Jefferson, including John T. Mather, a philanthropist and founder of the Mather Hospital, and Clarence E. MacGregor, a U.S. Representative from New York.

See also

• List of villages in New York
• Brookhaven, New York
• Suffolk County, New York