Shelter Island is an island and a town located at the eastern end of Suffolk County, New York, USA. Originally settled in 1652, it's first resident was a sugar merchant from Barbados, one Nathaniel Sylvester.

Originally purchased from the Manhanset Indians by a partnership of four wealthy sugar merchants from Barbados, their intent was to harvest the island’s white oak to build the barrels required for their business. Of the four, only Sylvester settled there, bringing his 16 year old bride Grissel in 1652. Sylvester viewed the island, Fisher Island, and other parts of Long Island as his sole property. At the time of Sylvester's death in 1680, he believed he was the sole owner of the island and left it to his wife and sons. This included what is today called Sylvester Manor, one of the island's most historic properties.

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