The historic Milleridge Inn, believed to be the oldest inn in the United States, which dates back to 1672, sustained significant damage in a serious fire on the evening of August 20. Thanks to the rapid response and efforts of multiple area fire departments, the blaze was brought under control before it could cause more extensive damage to the centuries-old structure. Over a dozen departments “mutually aided,” responding to the fire.
The fire damaged several portions of the historic inn, including the bar, an office located above the bar, and a dining area adjacent to the bar. Fortunately, the fire was contained before reaching the Inn’s main dining room and its other party spaces, including rooms located on both the ground floor and upstairs. Additionally, the fire did not touch the Milleridge Cottage, one of Long Island’s foremost wedding and event venues.
Butch Yamali, president and owner of the Milleridge Inn, expressed his gratitude to the firefighters and first responders who worked to protect the historic property.
“We are incredibly grateful to every firefighter and first responder who came to the Milleridge Inn and fought to save this historic building,” said Yamali. “The Milleridge has been part of Long Island’s history for more than 350 years, and we are committed to repairing the damage and bringing the Inn back to life. We are very fortunate that the fire was contained and that so much of the historic structure was spared.”
The Milleridge Inn traces its origins to 1672, when Mary Washburn Willets established the original two-room structure. The property grew over generations and became an important stopping place for travelers making their way across Long Island. Historical accounts describe the property as having housed or quartered British and Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution; while following the Revolution, it served wayfarers traveling along the increasingly busy route through Jericho.
The Inn’s history also includes a devastating fire in the 1800s that destroyed the upper floor and claimed the lives of members of the Willets family. The original portion of the house survived, and the upper level was subsequently rebuilt.
The latest fire is another chapter in the remarkable history of a structure that has survived wars, changing generations and previous fires. The Inn’s origins in 1672 are well-documented, although claims regarding the designation of “oldest inn” in the United States vary depending upon the definition used.
Weddings and Events Will Continue
Of particular importance to Milleridge patrons, the fire is not anticipated to cancel weddings scheduled at the Milleridge property. Weddings are primarily held at the Milleridge Cottage, a separate structure on the property, away from the inn where the fire occurred.
Yamali said his immediate priority is to repair the damaged portions of the historic Inn while preserving its character and historic significance.
“We are going to rebuild and repair what was damaged,” Yamali said. “The Milleridge has been here since 1672, and we intend to make sure it continues to be here for generations to come.”
Yamali indicated that he hopes to have the main Inn reopened in the very near future, although the timing will depend on the necessary cleanup and repairs.
According to News 12, an electrical fire may have sparked the blaze.