Decades of Long Island history came to life during a recent episode of “The Fog of War and Humanity,” hosted by South Shore Press History Columnist Richard Acritelli and featuring News Director Robert Chartuk.
The wide-ranging conversation focused heavily on the deep historical roots of the South Shore and Brookhaven Town, with Chartuk drawing from both personal experience and years of reporting to highlight stories often overlooked in mainstream accounts.
A lifelong resident of Center Moriches, Chartuk described the area as a classic small-town American community with ties that stretch back generations. That sense of continuity, he explained, is what makes local history so powerful.
“You realize quickly that history isn’t something distant,” Chartuk said during the interview. “It’s right here—woven into the streets, the homes, and the people you’ve known your whole life.”
From there, the discussion shifted into the Revolutionary War era, where Long Island played a far more significant role than many realize. Chartuk pointed to William Floyd of Mastic as a central figure, noting that his restored homestead stands as one of the most important historic sites in the region.
Chartuk explained how Floyd’s home was occupied by British forces during the war, reflecting the divided loyalties across Long Island at the time—where neighbors often found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict.
Another key figure was William “Tangier” Smith, whose sprawling estate, now known as the Manor of St. George, became a strategic British outpost during the war. Chartuk detailed how the site was later recaptured in a daring raid led by Benjamin Talmadge, one of General George Washington’s most trusted intelligence officers.
Talmadge’s raid not only reclaimed the manor but also disrupted British supply lines, including the destruction of a massive hay reserve in Coram—an operation ordered directly by Washington to weaken enemy cavalry forces.
The podcast also explored lesser-known but equally compelling figures, including Nathaniel Woodhull, who was mortally wounded after refusing to renounce his allegiance to the American cause. Chartuk recounted how Woodhull was brought back to Mastic, where he later died—cementing his place in local and national history.
Beyond battlefield events, physical remnants of history are still visible across Long Island today. From colonial homes bearing markings from British occupation to centuries-old cemeteries containing Revolutionary War veterans, the region remains a living archive.
“These aren’t just stories in books,” Chartuk noted. “You can stand in these places, see the evidence, and connect directly to what happened.”
Acritelli praised Chartuk’s ability to bridge journalism and historical storytelling, noting that his work continues to preserve local heritage for future generations.
The podcast highlights a history that will take center stage as the community celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday. To view the podcast, visit www.hmtcli.org