In 1819, Walt Whitman, widely recognized as America’s greatest poet, was born
in a small farmhouse in the rural Long Island community of West Hills
in the town of Huntington.
The Whitman family roots on this part of Long Island date back to the early 17th century. Walt Whitman’s ancestors were farmers, served in the militia, and were active members of their community. Some time after Walt’s parents Walter and Louisa had married in 1816, they set up housekeeping in this simple, Federal style home.
The home was built by Whitman, the poet's father, and is a fine example
of Long Island native craftmanship. Today, much of the glass in the window
panes is still the original glass.
The house is a State Historic Site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.