Islip Town in the American Revolution

The Bohemia Historical Society invites our members and the public to a special presentation by Islip Town Historian, George Munkenbeck.

It is hard for us today to imagine a very rural, sparsely populated Town of Islip, but during the American Revolution, the town had a population of just 375 people.

In this program, we will explore the events leading up to Islip Precinct freeholders signing a support document for the Articles of Association. We will look at the Suffolk County Militia, the celebration of the Declaration of Independence, the euphoria of 1775 to 1776, the shock of the Battle of Long Island, and the occupation of Islip Precinct.

Islip Town was one of the areas occupied by the Crown for the longest period. We will examine the issues faced by residents—from evacuation to Connecticut to raids, murder, and piracy—and highlight still-visible Revolutionary War sites, local leaders, and the true complexities regarding those who stayed and were painted as Tories.