Roe Tavern
Here’s a detailed overview of the history of Roe Tavern in East Setauket, Long Island:
📍 Early Origins: 1703–1740s
Built in 1703 by Selah Strong along what is now Route 25A in East Setauket as a family home. [sites.google.com], [hmdb.org]
After Selah’s death, the property passed to his son Thomas Strong, who later sold it to the Woodhull family. [sites.google.com], [greaterlon...island.com]
Transition to a Tavern & Revolutionary Role
Woodhulls eventually sold the house to Captain Austin Roe, who converted it into Roe Tavern, a central hub for locals and travelers. [sites.google.com], [greaterlon...island.com]
Roe (b. 1748/49) was a celebrated rider and a key member of the Culper Spy Ring, relaying critical intelligence disguised as a tavern supply run. [sites.google.com], [heritagediner.com]
On April 22, 1790, President George Washington stayed at Roe Tavern, recording in his diary:
“To the house of Capt. Roe, which is tolerably decent with obliging people in it.” [sites.google.com], [tbrnewsmedia.com]
Post-War Years & Relocation
In 1798, Roe sold the establishment and relocated east to Patchogue, where he founded the Roe Eagle Hotel, a well-known stagecoach stop that remained active until it burned down in 1933. [sites.google.com], [digitalpml.pmlib.org]
As for the original Roe Tavern building:
In 1936, owner Wallace Irwin moved the structure off Route 25A to prevent its demolition when the road was widened. [greaterlon...island.com], [tbrnewsmedia.com]
It became a private residence on Old Post Road, owned for decades by Revolutionary reenactor Arthur Billadello. [greaterlon...island.com], [tbrnewsmedia.com]
Historic Recognition & Preservation Efforts
A New York State historical marker (erected 1938) commemorates its original site at Main Street and Bayview Avenue:
“Roe Tavern stood here. 1703–1936. Washington spent the night here April 22, 1790…” [hmdb.org]
Sketches from 1911–1917 by Arthur W. Strong depict the tavern in its original location, and are now digitized by the New‑York Historical Society. [tbrnewsmedia.com]
In recent years, the Three Village Historical Society and groups like Friends of Roe Tavern have actively worked to preserve and relocate the building closer to its original Route 25A site. [tbrnewsmedia.com], [brookhavenny.gov], [tbrnewsmedia.com]
In July 2022, the Town of Brookhaven purchased the property for $800,000, with plans to move and restore it for public visitation. The town hopes to feature it as part of local Revolutionary history exhibitions. [brookhavenny.gov], [tbrnewsmedia.com]
Cultural & Educational Spotlight
September 2025 saw the opening of “Timbers, Tankards, and Time: The Story of the Roe Tavern and the Power of Place” at the Three Village Historical Society’s museum, highlighting the tavern’s four-century legacy. [tbrnewsmedia.com]
A Congressional bill introduced in 2026 seeks to designate a Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail, with advocates calling for Roe Tavern’s inclusion. [tbrnewsmedia.com], [heritagediner.com]
🗓 Timeline Overview
1703 Built by Selah Strong
Mid-1700s Sold to Woodhull family
Late-1700s Acquired by Austin Roe; operation as tavern begins
April 22, 1790 President Washington stays overnight
1798 Roe relocates to Patchogue to open Roe Eagle Hotel
1933 Roe Eagle Hotel destroyed by fire
1936 Tavern moved off 25A by Wallace Irwin
1938 Historical marker erected
2000s–2020s Owned by Arthur Billadello; civic preservation efforts grow
2022 Purchased by Brookhaven for restoration
2025 Museum exhibit opens
2026 Legislation proposes inclusion in spy-ring trail
The history of Roe Tavern intertwines early colonial architecture, Revolutionary War espionage, presidential visits, and modern heritage preservation. It remains a powerful symbol of local and national history—reflecting Long Island’s past and efforts to keep that legacy alive
