Built before the Revolutionary War (1740), the Epenetus Smith Tavern, 211 Middle Country Road in Smithtown, originally stood just west of the juncture of Middle Country & North Country Roads. This site was a popular stop on the Brooklyn to Sag Harbor stagecoach route during the 1770s, and during the Revolutionary War, the house often played host to British soldiers. Moved twice before in 1911 & 1921, it found its current destination in 1972 one half mile from its original location. While this structure’s oldest parts date to the 17th century, the main portion was built about 1740. The Tavern was also altered during the 19th and 20th centuries but has kept its Colonial integrity.
SMITH TAVERN
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The current location is its fourth location. The saltbox end, where the tavern actually is, was built around 1690. When Epenetus Smith purchased it in 1740, he added the large wing. It did not look like it does today (in the picture). What he added maintained the saltbox roof line. The current roofline was built in the 1800’s…likely by Israel Whitman who ran the tavern for years after Smith passed away. I believe you have the date of the second move incorrect. I believe is was moved across the street from about where the post office is today to 50 Hauppauge Road during the 1928/29 winter. I remember it there as a restaurant until the scenic location was destroyed by the straightening of Hauppauge Road in 1966. It was moved in the rain in January 1972 and got stuck in the mud on the day of the move.