Freeport's Nautical Mile
Freeport's rich maritime history is
marked by oystering, clamming and
boat-building. At the end of the 19th
century, John Randall and William G.
Miller dredged Woodcleft Canal, creating the largest working waterfront on
the south shore of Long Island. The
Nautical Mile was born and Freeport
became a summer destination for visitors traveling from New York City.Boat yards sprang up along Woodcleft Canal and by World War II they were building vessels for the U.S. and British naval forces. Sailboats and pleasure craft docked along the canal''s entire length. As Long Island's population grew, the Nautical Mile also became a center for recreational boat sales, commercial and charter fishing fleets, fish markets, and numerous seafood restaurants.
Today, the Nautical Mile is being transformed again, as Village improvements correct decades of tidal flooding, increase pedestrian access, preserve maritime culture, and stimulate redevelopment. Implementing Freeport's vision will enable this historic maritime center to continue as a working waterfront, recreational destination, and marine educational center for the 21st century.
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 38.06′ N, 73° 34.919′ W. Marker is in Freeport, New York, in Nassau County. Marker is on Woodcleft Avenue south of Hmilton Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Freeport NY 11520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Al Grover's Spirit of Freeport (a few steps from this marker); Woodcleft Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Shipwrecks and the Life Saving Service (within shouting distance of this marker); Guy Lombardo's House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Freeport Legends (about 600 feet away); Boat Builders of Freeport (approx. 0.2 miles away); Playland Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Woodcleft Inn (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Freeport.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
