Home > Famous Long Island > Historical Figures The history of Long Island, NY includes the presence of many famous figures who broadly worked to shape their time. An excellent cross-section can be found along the Long Island Heritage Trail. Travel back in time to the Revolutionary War era when George Washington traveled Rte. 25A (known then as Kings Highway) to thank supporters. 

Visit Raynham Hall, in Oyster Bay, where the Townsend family were said to be part of Washington's Culper Spy Ring. Other historical figures along the trail that span time and history include Theodore Roosevelt, the beloved 26th President of the United States who kept his summer Whitehouse at Sagamore Hill. Visit the home of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Or travel back to the Gold Coast era (immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby") where you'll still find the magnificent estates of the country's most famous families on the North Shore, some now open for the public's perusal and enjoyment.

Other famous people from New York, who lived on Long Island include artist Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and William DeKooning; and famous authors from New York State who lived or worked on Long Island include Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Aviation history was made here by the historical figure, Charles Lindbergh.

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