.

To learn more about
Montauk visit our Montauk
History Page

Montauk is a little town where life is still worth living
365 country days of the year.

By Ingrid Lemme

Oh, what can one say? Montauk. The End. The Last Resort. The Beginning. Where Paradise Begins. At least that's what the bumper stickers lovingly declare. Montauk is the very last gem on the string of the famous Hampton's pearls. However, had it not been for the native Indians, the Montaukets, Montauk most likely would have been named "Very East Hampton" or "Lighthouse Hampton". Another reason you'll be glad the Montaukets were here first is that they discovered all the wonderful hiking trails available to you, so you can "discover" Montauk all over again, for yourself.

Montauk has been referred to as "The Land of many Winds," and boy, can it get breezy. That's because it's enclosed on three sides by water. To the south and east the Atlantic, with its long, large swells, crashes along the shore. The usually calmer waters north of Montauk lap along the coast, and nestled in between is lots of wildlife reserve and this ever-so-charming, little country town.

Montauk's history is about as diverse as a small town's past can be. It encountered a brief rule under the British crown, had the construction of its lighthouse commissioned by George Washington, served as a summer pasture for livestock, and became an infirmary for soldiers who returned suffering illness. There were even a couple of futile attempts to "make-over" Montauk into the "Miami of the North." Fate, or some say unexpected and tragic events, prevented this transformation and not until the mid-1900's did Montauk see the arrival of summer tourism. Montauk has much to offer to its visitors, both in history and attractions.

Like many of the other towns on the East End, there remain several families that have lived in Montauk for generations. Attend any of the famous Hampton fundraisers and you'll be sure to meet at least one member of the Gosman or Monte families, just to name a couple. They, along with many others, have all left their footprints in the sands of Montauk. Gosman's Dock and village is and was the life and bread of the Gosman family. The Monte family, with its patriarch Nick Monte, his brother Angelo Monte Sr. (a D-day Hero) and Angelo's children, are keepers of a 75-year old tradition, the internationally renowned Gurney's Inn, Resort, Spa and Conference Center, the largest year-round employer on the East End.

So, what makes Montauk so much different from the Hamptons? A downtown restaurant that has been running a "help wanted" sign for years, trying to recruit a piano player who can shuck clams. It's a little fishing and boating town where life is still worth living 365 days of the year. The Pleasantville of Long Island welcomes you to the unspoiled but oh-so precious South Fork Point.

290 Old Montauk Highway ~ Montauk, NY 11954