Platt’s Tavern

May 28

Here’s a detailed history of Platt’s Tavern in Huntington, NY:

Originally built around 1662–1663 as a private residence by Isaac Platt. [nyshistori...papers.org]
Around 1730, Platt’s grandson, Obediah Platt, converted it into a boarding house and tavern, adding a wing known as "Woods’ kitchen." [nyshistori...papers.org]

On April 23, 1790, during his presidential tour of Long Island, President George Washington stopped in Huntington.
He dined in the tavern—referred to as Widow Platt’s Tavern—and reportedly addressed up to 2,000 residents from outside the tavern. [newsbreak.com], [huntington...istory.com], [nyshistori...papers.org]
Washington described the meal place as “tolerably good.” [huntington...istory.com], [nyshistori...papers.org]

The tavern ceased operations in 1819, reverting back to a private home. [nyshistori...papers.org]
Later, as the original structure gave way to demolition, its taproom wing was moved about 60 years after Washington’s visit (circa 1850s) to Halesite, near Grist Mill Lane. [nyshistori...papers.org]
That wing was moved again in 1953, to its current location at the corner of Park View Terrace and Park Avenue, serving as a kitchen in a private home. [nyshistori...papers.org]

A New York State Education Department historical marker was installed in 1932 at Park Avenue & Main Street, commemorating the tavern as the site where Washington dined, and noting its role as an early town meeting location. [hmdb.org], [newsbreak.com]
In recent decades, local groups and Huntington Town Board have debated the redevelopment of the original site (now occupied by a deli or gas station), proposing zoning changes and requiring historically sensitive design, archaeological oversight, and potential installation of a George Washington statue to honor its legacy. [tbrnewsmedia.com], [tbrnewsmedia.com], [huntingtonny.gov]

1662–1663 Built as Isaac Platt’s house

c. 1730 Converted to tavern by Obediah Platt

April 23, 1790 Washington dined and spoke there

1819 Tavern business closed

c. 1850sTaproom wing moved to Halesite

1932 Historical marker installed

1953 Wing moved to Park View Terrace

2015–2020s Debates over zoning and historic commemoration