The Jedediah Hawkins House was built in 1863 by Captain Jedediah Hawkins, who had served in the employment of the Union Army. He built this house for his young family and in it he raised his children to the mid and latter part of the nineteenth century. It was constructed in the then-popular Italianate style complete with ornate architectural features and a belvedere. In the late 19th century the Jedediah Hawkins house must have been one of the most elaborate houses in the area. Legends abound in respect to the house. Some claim that Jedediah Hawkins was an abolitionist and that this house was indeed a stop on the underground railroad and others claim that the house was a haven for gun runners. Though we do not have definite evidence to prove any of the legends, there are indications of secret spaces and trapdoors located in the house that raise the suspicion that these legends may indeed be true.

The house was occupied during the first half of the 20th century and then remained vacant and was boarded up in the 1980s. Over time the house fell further and further into decay until it was identified as a hazard and slated for demolition in 2004. Born of a vision to preserve an historic landmark, a partnership was formed to acquire and restore the mansion to its original grandeur. After two years of planning and construction to recreate the unique structural and architectural elements, the mansion was transformed into the Jedediah Hawkins Inn. Though there are many restoration properties in this country and on Long Island in particular, this project is especially poignant. The restoration process saved this Victorian mansion that was about to feel the brunt of the wrecker's ball to become an Inn that we hope will be a landmark in place for all to enjoy!

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