Fire Island, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes, has a rich and fascinating history. Spanning 32 miles along Long Island’s South Shore, this barrier island is packed with quirky stories, historical tidbits, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some facts you may not know about this enchanting escape:
Historical Origins
- Fire Island was once a peninsula, separated from Long Island by storms in the 1690s that created the Fire Island Inlet.
- The Algonquin people named it “Seal Island” because seals wintered along its shores.
- Native Americans hunted and fished here long before settlers arrived.
- A 1653 whaling station built by Isaac Stratford was called Whalehouse Point.
- Pirates and slave runners used Fire Island’s inlets for their clandestine activities.
Name Origins
- The “Fire” in Fire Island is debated: it might stem from swamp fires, whalers’ fires, or a mistranslation of “five” or the Dutch “vier.”
- It has also been called South Sand Beach and Great South Beach.
Famous Landmarks and Events
- The Fire Island Lighthouse, built in 1825, is one of its most iconic structures.
- In 1882, Oscar Wilde reportedly stayed at Cherry Grove’s Perkinson Hotel during his U.S. tour.
- A 1936 hurricane broke open the Moriches Inlet, permanently altering the island’s shape.
- The Surf Hotel, built in the 1800s, could host up to 1,500 guests.
Prohibition and Pirate Tales
- Bootleggers and rum runners made Fire Island a hub during Prohibition.
- The Sunken Forest became a favored hiding spot for smuggled alcohol.
- Pirates allegedly stored treasure here, while “ship wreckers” lured vessels to shore for plunder.
German tanker Glückauf stranded on 23/24-3-1893 in heavy fog at Blue Point Beach at Fire Island. Tourists were common at the wreck site for years after. Photo: Public Domain.
Natural Wonders
- Fire Island is 32 miles long but only about a quarter-mile wide, with over 100 miles of coastline.
- It’s one of four barrier islands protecting Long Island from the Atlantic.
- The Sunken Forest, a rare maritime forest in Sailor’s Haven, is over 200 years old and spans 40 acres.
- Over 300 bird species have been spotted here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Community Highlights
- Fire Island has 17 car-free communities, making it a unique getaway.
- Cherry Grove is considered the first U.S. community where LGBTQ+ people could openly express themselves.
- Fire Island Pines, known for its chic vibe, boasts two-thirds of the island’s swimming pools.
- The “Invasion of the Pines,” a drag queen parade, takes place every July 4th.
Famous Residents
- Former Fire Island Pines residents include David Geffen and Calvin Klein.
- Poet Frank O’Hara lived on Fire Island before tragically passing there in 1966.
- The Village People even wrote a song celebrating the funky weekends of Fire Island.
Fun Facts
- The year-round population is about 400, but summer brings in nearly 20,000 visitors.
- Clamming is as iconic to Fire Island as maple syrup is to Vermont.
- Surfing, camping, and birdwatching are popular activities for locals and tourists alike.
- Ocean Beach is Fire Island’s largest village, home to its first elementary school, opened in 1918.
Fire Island is more than just a beach destination; it’s a place filled with history, mystery, and charm. Whether you’re exploring the Sunken Forest or enjoying a lazy day on the sand, there’s always something new to discover on this Long Island gem.
Cover photo: Paul Costello, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
