Historical Sites

Hawley Bridge: This bridge is located on Hawley Lake which borders West Islip and Babylon. The bridge is one of two remaining bridges. This location was originally the site of a mill that was built on Sampawams Creek in 1750 by Nathaniel Conklin.

To get there: From the fork of Higbie Lane and Udall Road, head south on Higbie Lane to Montauk Highway. Make a left onto Montauk. Head west about 1/4 of a mile. Make the 3rd left turn onto Parkwood Road. Make the 1st left turn onto Lake Drive South. The bridge is about 100 feet up Lake Drive South. Back to the top.

La Grange - The La Grange Inn is building of great historical importance. Although the precise construction date of the inn is unknown, it has been confirmed that the inn was in business just after the end of the Revolutionary War. There is also speculation about who built La Grange. Many believe it was Samuel A. Higbie. The Higbie Family owned the property on which the inn stands from the time the inn was originally built until 1918, at which time it was sold to a syndicate. The La Grange was named after General Lafayette's home in France, and it is rumored that the General stayed at the Inn in 1824 when he visited the United States.

Before the existence of the LIRR mainline, the inn was a stop on a stagecoach line that ran from Brooklyn to Patchogue. After the mainline was built to Deer Park Station, proprietor of the La Grange ran a stagecoach from the train station to the inn to accomodate his guests.

Today, the La Grange Inn is a catering facility.

To get there: From the intersection of Udall Road and Higbie Lane, continue south on Higbie about 1 1/2 miles to Montauk Highway (Rt 27A). The La Grange is located at the intersection of Higbie Lane and Montauk on the right. Back to the top.