Babylon

The history of the Town of Babylon, located on the South Shore of Long Island in New York State, is a story of growth and self-determination closely tied to the development of the entire region.

Originally, the territory that is now Babylon was known as Huntington South, serving as the southern portion of the larger Town of Huntington. A turning point in the settlement's history came around 1803 when Nathaniel Conklin moved to the area with his family. Inspired by biblical history, he gave his new home the ambitious name New Babylon, after the ancient Mesopotamian city. The Town of Babylon was officially established much later, in 1872, when it separated from Huntington and gained independent administrative status.

Babylon's development was shaped by several key factors. Its advantageous geographical position on Long Island’s South Shore, with access to the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to barrier islands like Fire Island and Jones Beach, created ideal conditions for maritime industries, trade, and, later, tourism. Transportation accessibility also played a major role: with the expansion of railroad service to New York City in the 19th century, Babylon and neighboring villages became popular summer retreats for city dwellers, stimulating economic growth. Furthermore, gaining status as an independent town in 1872 allowed Babylon to manage its own resources and forge its own development strategy tailored to the needs of the local population.

In the early decades of its existence, Babylon's economy was closely tied to the sea. Residents were engaged in fishing, oyster farming, and agriculture. With the arrival of the railroad, the region began to transform into a resort destination, leading to the construction of hotels, boarding houses, and summer residences. This laid the foundation for the town's modern economy, where the service sector and tourism continue to play an important role.

Key Dates in Babylon's History

1657 – European settlers from Huntington negotiate a land agreement with Native Americans for the territory known as Huntington South.

~1803 – Nathaniel Conklin builds his home, an event which, according to legend, leads to the name "New Babylon."

1830 – The name "Babylon" is officially approved by the Post Office.

1867 – The South Side Railroad reaches Babylon, sparking its development as a resort area.

1869 – The South Side Signal newspaper is founded; it would later actively champion the idea of separating from Huntington.

1872 – The Town of Babylon is officially established by separating from the Town of Huntington.

1882 – The luxurious Argyle Hotel is built, becoming a symbol of the resort era.

1885 – The Cuban Giants, the first professional African American baseball team in history, is formed at the Argyle Hotel.

1893 – The Village of Babylon is incorporated, becoming the first village within the town of the same name.

1902 – The Marconi Company opens a wireless telegraph station and a school for operators in Babylon.

1918 – The first meeting is held in the Old Town Hall building of Babylon.

1923 – The incorporated Village of Lindenhurst joins the town.

1958 – A new Town Hall building opens in North Lindenhurst, which remains in use today.

Key Milestones in Babylon's Development

The history of Babylon, New York, is a journey from a small settlement to one of Long Island's key suburban and recreational hubs. The major transformations in its development were tied to transportation, the economy, and urban planning.

• Gaining Independence (1872): One of the most significant events was the official separation from the Town of Huntington and the establishment of Babylon as an independent town. This allowed it to manage its own budget, land, and infrastructure development according to the needs of the local community, laying the groundwork for future growth.
• Railroad Construction (1867): The arrival of the South Side Railroad fundamentally changed Babylon's economic and social landscape. Rapid connection to New York City transformed it from a remote agricultural community into a popular summer destination. This factor stimulated the construction of hotels, boarding houses, and summer villas, giving a massive boost to tourism and the service sector.
• The "Golden Age" of the Resort (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries): Thanks to its accessibility, Babylon became a prestigious resort. The symbol of this era was the grand Argyle Hotel, which attracted wealthy guests from the city. This period also saw a major cultural milestone: the formation of the Cuban Giants, the first professional African American baseball team in history, right here in Babylon.
• Technological Breakthrough (1902): The opening of a Marconi Wireless Telegraph station and an accompanying school for operators put Babylon on the map of technological innovation. This attracted specialists to the town and solidified its reputation as a progressive and developing center.
• Post-War Suburbanization (Mid-20th Century): Following World War II, like many other areas of Long Island, Babylon experienced a demographic boom. It fully transitioned from a seasonal resort into a major year-round suburb of New York City. Active residential construction led to population growth and the development of social infrastructure, including schools, shops, and roads.
• Development of Transport and Recreational Infrastructure (20th Century): The construction of major transit arteries, such as the Robert Moses Causeway, provided direct access to the famous barrier island beaches — Jones Beach and Fire Island. This reinforced Babylon's status as the "gateway" to the primary recreation areas on Long Island's South Shore.

Architectural Heritage: From Resort Developments to Modern Suburbs

The architectural character of Babylon is inextricably linked to its history as a popular late-19th-century resort and its subsequent transformation into a major New York City suburb in the 20th century. Unlike old European cities, you won't find medieval Gothic or Renaissance styles here. The urban development reflects American architectural trends, evolving from lavish Victorian eclecticism to the functionalism of post-war housing.

The Victorian Era and the "Golden Age" of the Resort

Babylon's heyday as a recreational destination in the late 19th century left the most distinct mark on its architecture. This period is characterized by the dominance of the Victorian style, particularly the Queen Anne style. It is defined by asymmetrical facades, complex rooflines, bay windows, turrets, and spacious verandas. Many of the surviving private homes in the historic Village of Babylon are excellent examples of this era. An iconic, though no longer standing, landmark was the luxurious Argyle Hotel, which served as a symbol of the resort's prosperity.

Early 20th Century and Post-War Transformation

In the first half of the 20th century, Victorian ornateness gave way to more restrained styles. Colonial Revival gained popularity, inspired by early American architecture with its emphasis on symmetry and classical forms. A prominent example of this trend is the Old Town Hall building, constructed in 1918.

Fundamental changes in urban planning occurred after World War II. A population explosion led to mass housing construction, shaping Babylon's modern identity as a suburb. The architecture of this period became more utilitarian and standardized. Dominant housing types included Ranch, Cape Cod, and Split-level homes. The new Town Hall, opened in 1958, reflects mid-century modern influences with its clean lines and lack of excessive decoration. This phase was part of the large-scale transformations across Long Island, largely driven by the work of urban planner Robert Moses.

Prominent Figures in Babylon's History

Throughout its history, the Town of Babylon and its surrounding areas have been associated with names that have left a significant mark on various fields — from urban planning and technology to sports and music.

• Nathaniel Conklin — Founder and industrialist. Legend has it that Conklin, who built his home here in 1803, gave the settlement the name "New Babylon." As one of the area's first major landowners and industrialists, he played a key role in the early development of the future town.
• August Belmont Sr. — Financier and horse racing enthusiast. In 1868, this influential banker established a massive 1,100-acre estate in North Babylon featuring a stud farm for breeding thoroughbred horses. Part of this land later became Belmont Lake State Park.
• Robert Moses — Influential 20th-century urban planner. Moses, who lived in Babylon for about 45 years, fundamentally transformed the infrastructure of all of Long Island. He oversaw the construction of key parkways, bridges, and the famous Jones Beach State Park, making Babylon a vital transportation and recreational hub.
• Guglielmo Marconi — Inventor and pioneer of radio communication. In 1902, the Nobel Prize laureate opened one of the first wireless telegraph stations in the U.S. and a training school for operators in Babylon, establishing the town as a technologically advanced center.
• The Cuban Giants — The first professional African American baseball team in history. This iconic team in American sports was formed in 1885 from the staff of the luxurious Argyle Hotel in Babylon. The team quickly rose to fame, successfully competing against white clubs and leaving an important legacy in baseball history.
• Rodney Dangerfield — Famous comedian and actor. Born Jacob Rodney Cohen in Babylon in 1921, he became an American comedy icon known for his "I get no respect" persona.
• Pat Benatar — Rock singer and four-time Grammy Award winner. The future rock star grew up in Lindenhurst, an incorporated village within the Town of Babylon. She is a graduate of the local high school and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.