I'm in agreement with Sharon.  I was aware that Southold had been established in 1640 by settlers from New Haven, Connecticut.  I am frankly clueless as to whether a particular government structure was formalized at that time.  Nevertheless, it is well established that Southold was organized in some fashion, having rather specific boundries in 1640.

With regret, I'm not familiar enough with the history of Southhampton.

Joe

In a message dated Tue, 28 Aug 2001 11:00:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time, "Pullen, Sharon" <[log in to unmask]> writes:

> Both Southampton and Southold in Suffolk County on Long island were settled
> c. 1640.  Each of these claims the "earliest English-speaking settlement",
> dutch settlers were in the NY city area earlier, I believe.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Suzanne Etherington [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 10:50 AM
> > To:   [log in to unmask]
> > Subject:      Oldest/First Town in NYS?
> >
> > I pass this request for info along for a non-cyber colleague - Can anyone
> > tell me which is the oldest town in NYS?
> >
> > Thanks, Suzanne