A Short History of ‘Where They Go by Water’
The history of Mashomack dates back millennia to the native Manhanset, who inhabited all of Shelter Island, including the area known as Sachem’s Neck. Mashomack, which means “where they go by water,” referred early on to Mashomack Point, which was originally separated from Sachem’s Neck by water. Local history reports that Barbados sugar merchant Nathan Sylvester “negotiated” with Manhanset Chief Pogatticut that resulted in the transfer of ownership of all of Shelter Island. The portion now known as Mashomack was sold to William Nicoll in 1693. The property stayed in the Nicolls family, who began to farm part of it, for many years until portions were sold off to various buyers.
The remaining Nicoll family property was purchased by a real estate holding company in 1934. Over the years, the property was leased to hunting and fishing clubs. The Manor House became the lodge for the Mashomack Fish and Game Club, an enclave for wealthy Long Island and New York City residents. What are now rehabilitated meadows in the preserve were once tennis courts and a skeet range installed by that club.
Kim Covell on May 22, 2025