Unearthing the History of Fort Massapeag in Massapequa

Author and professor John DiMarco chronicles the little-known story of one of Long Island's only Native American strongholds.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:39am

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A new book titled "Hidden in Massapequa: Unearthing Fort Massapeag" details the history of Fort Massapeag, one of Long Island's only Native American strongholds and the only Native American fort ever found on western Long Island, dating back to the 17th century. The book's author, John DiMarco, a lifelong resident of Massapequa and professor at St. John's University, uncovered this hidden history through his own research after noticing an empty plot of land next to Sunset Park.

Why it matters

The history of Fort Massapeag provides insight into the relationship between Native Americans and European settlers in the Massapequa area, a story that DiMarco says was not widely known, even to longtime residents. The book aims to shed light on this important piece of local history and the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the region.

The details

DiMarco's research revealed that Fort Massapeag had previously served as a Native American village, a Dutch trading post, and potentially even a wampum factory. During the 1930s, when the land was being developed, people found bodies buried underneath, which DiMarco believes came from a Native American massacre that took place in the 1600s. The Town of Oyster Bay purchased a small piece of the land in the 1950s and placed a sign designating it as a National Historic Landmark, though DiMarco says the site was largely unknown until his book brought attention to its significance.

  • Fort Massapeag dates back to the 17th century.
  • Bodies were found buried under the land during the 1930s when the area was being developed.
  • The Town of Oyster Bay purchased a small piece of the land and placed a historic landmark sign in the 1950s.
  • DiMarco's book "Hidden in Massapequa: Unearthing Fort Massapeag" was published in November 2025.

The players

John DiMarco

A lifelong resident of Massapequa and a professor at St. John's University who researched and wrote the book "Hidden in Massapequa: Unearthing Fort Massapeag".

Town of Oyster Bay

The local government entity that purchased a small piece of the Fort Massapeag land in the 1950s and placed a historic landmark sign at the site.

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What they’re saying

“It's important that we kind of get deeper into the history of the town as far as indigenous cultures go because it really wasn't something that when I was growing up here was covered.”

— John DiMarco, Author and Professor

“The spot was literally unknown as a National Historic Landmark. It was really fascinating to start to unravel this and realize that it's kind of an unknown place.”

— John DiMarco, Author and Professor

What’s next

DiMarco said a new sign will eventually be erected at the Fort Massapeag site with a QR code that will give people more background on the history of the location.

The takeaway

The rediscovery of Fort Massapeag, one of Long Island's only Native American strongholds, sheds light on an important but overlooked piece of local history, highlighting the need to better understand the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the Massapequa area.