East Moriches, New York

East Moriches (ⁱ/mʊərˈɪtʃɪz/ mohr-ICH-iz) is a hamlet (and census-designated place) in Suffolk County, New York, United States. The population was 5,249 at the 2010 census.

East Moriches is in the town of Brookhaven.

The name Moriches comes from Meritces, a Native American who owned land on Moriches Neck.

Geography

East Moriches is located at 40°48′23″N 72°45′24″W / 40.80639°N 72.75667°W / 40.80639; -72.75667 (40.806287, -72.756735).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.6 square miles (14.6 km²), of which 5.6 square miles (14.4 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km²), or 2.66%, is water.

Education

East Moriches has an elementary school, recently built, as well as a middle school. Once a student graduates 8th grade, he or she may choose to attend one of three high schools; Westhampton Beach, Center Moriches, or Eastport-South Manor. In 2006 the school budget failed, and the school was put on an austerity budget, or a budget controlled by the state. The East Moriches Booster club raised enough money to give the school sports teams and clubs.

East Moriches (LIRR station)

East Moriches is a former railroad station on the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Rail Road. It was located near Pine Street and Railroad Avenue in East Moriches, New York.

History

East Moriches Station was originally built in 1897, and throughout much of its history has existed as a flag stop which has served more freight than passengers. The station agency closed in 1932, and was burned down in 1936. A second depot was built at some point as a brick structure, but continued to operate primarily as a freight station and a flag stop, as the original depot did. Despite efforts to keep this station open, as well as Brookhaven and Eastport stations, the New York State Public Service Commission gave the Long Island Rail Road permission to close them all on October 6, 1958 and discontinued as a station stop. Commuters were advised by the Long Island Rail Road to use Center Moriches Station instead. As of 2006, the former station still remains standing as a private residence. Ironically, Center Moriches station which was closed in 1998, was previously nothing more than a sheltered platform in the last 13 years of its existence.