Fort Corchaug Archaeological Site

Fort Corchaug Archaeological Site is an excavation area on 105 acres of protected land on eastern Long Island that contains the remains of a log fort built by Native Americans. The grounds reveal the physical traces of a former settlement with visible fortification patterns and layers from different periods.

The fort was built in the 17th century by the Corchaug people with European support as a defense against rival tribes in the region. This construction marked a turning point when local defense strategies shifted toward fortified settlements.

The Corchaug people built this fortified settlement with European help, showing how indigenous and colonial communities interacted in early Long Island. Walking through the preserved grounds, you can sense how two very different worlds came together to shape this place.

The site is accessible through nature trails that connect to the adjacent Downs Farm Preserve, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. Wear comfortable shoes and plan enough time to properly walk the grounds, as the excavation areas are spread across a sizable landscape.

This location is one of the few remaining undisturbed Native American fortified village sites in the northeastern United States where the original settlement pattern is still visible. The preservation of the archaeological layers allows researchers and visitors to understand the settlement history in unusual completeness.

Location: Southold

GPS coordinates: 41.00268,-72.49874

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46