Smithtown Historical Society

Historic Sites

Caleb Smith House --- Judge J. Lawrence Smith --- Obadiah Smith House
Epenetus Smith Tavern --- Franklin O. Arthur Farm --- Roseneath Cottage
Frank Brush Barn --- Old Smithtown Library

The Epenetus Smith Tavern

The oldest part of this structure - the wing on the left - shows evidence of a late 17th century date, while the main portion was built about 1740. By 1750 Epenetus Smith was proprietor; in his time the Tavern was a short distance west of its present site at 211 Middle Country Road. Epenetus Smith was active in civic affairs and, by all accounts, his establishment served as a lively hub for social and political activity.

With the advent of the Brooklyn to Sag Harbor stagecoach route in 1772, the Tavern became a stop in the 3-day journey, and during the Revolutionary War British soldiers availed themselves of Mr. Smith’s hospitality, often without paying.

The Tavern was altered during the 19th and 20th centuries - the dormers, for instance, are a 20th century addition - yet still evokes a feeling of Colonial America.