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is a hamlet in Suffolk County, New York, United States. The population was 4,198 at the 2000 census.
It is believed to have derived its name for the Native American name for the "Great Creek.". The Mattituck Creek has been dredged and is used extensively by pleasure craft on Long Island Sound (the Mattituck Inlet is the entrance into Mattituck Creek and the whole waterway is now popularly referred to as Mattituck Inlet).
It is the only harbor on the north side of Long Island on the Sound east of Port Jefferson, New York
The Mattituck Inlet and James Creek (which has also been dredged for boats) on the Peconic Bay come within 500 yards of each other and would provide a shortcut between the Peconic and Sound through the North Fork if connected via a canal. However authorities have resisted the connection fearing an ecological disaster. Still the inlet is blamed for coastal erosion because it interrupts the longshore drift on the sound.
The area was originally settled by English colonists. Corchaug Indians, who were the first residents of the area, sold land to Theophilus Eaton, governor of New Haven, CT. The meadowlands were held in common by the residents of Southold from its founding in 1640. The Township of Southold was established by Charter to the New Haven Colony of Connecticut in 1658. The woodlands were also held in common until 1661 when that land was divided among individual proprietors.
Legend has it that English sea captain/pirate Captain Kidd visited the area and buried treasure somewhere near Long Island Sound. Although no evidence of this has ever been found, though rumors has it that the early prominent Greek American families discovered Captain Kid's treasure and distributed the money amongst the Greek community. The legend persists in local place names, such as Captain Kidd Estates aka Greek Town USA.
The area became a significant farming area, contributing fresh corn, potatoes, cabbage and other such crops to the markets of New York City. The last of many potato farmers were born in the 1920s and stopped farming in the 1990s. However, the town remains home to a number of farms for grapes, horses, mixed produce, and nursery botanicals in addition to potatoes.
" was written by the Rev. Charles E. Craven, 1906, a rare copy of which was donated to the Mattituck Historical Society by Mrs. Herman G. Dittmann.
He includes extensive genealogies of Youngs, Reeves, Kirkup, Hazzards and other prominent local families.
Mattituck hosts an annual Strawberry Festival and is located in the heart of over 30 vineyards in the Long Island Wine Region.