Patchogue is named after the Pochaug Indians.

Connecticut Governor John Winthrop and family owned land from 1666 to 1752. In 1758, a land lottery brings fourth and fifth generation settlers from other parts of Long Island and New York City to win seven large lots in Patchogue. Over the next 130 years, commercial activity centers on grist, paper, twine, cotton and lumber mills built on creeks along today’s Montauk Highway. By 1886, one mill powered the Patchogue Electric and Light Company. An adjoining mill site grows into the enormous Patchogue-Plymouth Lace Mill. By 1900, the Lace Mill and the Bailey Lumber Mill are prime employers.

Fishing and shellfishing from local waters feed early settlers and grows into a large seafood industry. A shipbuilding industry grows on Patchogue River. The railroad’s arrival in 1869 revolutionizes travel to and from Patchogue.

Hotels and boarding houses lodge vacationers escaping the city from 1880–1930. The resort industry spawns theaters featuring vaudeville acts, concerts, plays and lectures. Downtown Patchogue becomes a popular regional shopping center from the 1920s to the early 1960s. Malls pull shoppers away from Patchogue leading to several decades of decline.

Patchogue’s current resurgence is due to determined Village officials, businesses and organizations. The renovated Patchogue Theater, new restaurants, music venues, shops and condominiums change Patchogue’s landscape once again.