Site of First House Montauk
The First House was the first of three dwellings built at Montauk. All three had a role to play in the organization and maintenance of the cattle and sheep that spent each season grazing on the fields of Montauk.
First House was built in 1744 and rebuilt in 1798. The keeper who lived there had the responsibility to enter the earmarks of the animals on the Common Pasture list and to make certain that fences were in good repair. He kept a watchful eye on the sheep grazing between First House and Second House, located about four miles east.
The house also served as a hostelry, and must have been a welcome sight to weary travelers bound for Montauk during the 19th century; especially after crossing the sandy, barren stretch known as Napeague, where mosquitoes feasted on summer travelers in great numbers. But upon reaching the hills of Montauk, the breezes intensified and insects disappeared.
