The James Benjamin Homestead (1182 Flanders Road.) was built circa 1782 and is considered to be the oldest surviving house in Flanders. Listed in both the National and State registers of historic places it at one time also served as the Flanders post office. James was born in Southold, which at the time included all of today's Riverhead, in 1753. During the Revolution he first served in the 1st Reg. of the Suffolk County Minutemen under Col. Josiah Smith. Afterwards, during the British occupation, he removed to Guilford, Conn. and served in Col. Chester's Connecticut Regiment. James returned to L.I. after his service and purchased his homesite from Josiah Goodale in 1782.
Photo Credit: G.Cobb
South View
Several additions to the original "center chimney" homestead are shown in this view taken from the Reeves Bay side of the property.
Photo Credit: G.Cobb
Photo Credit: G.Cobb
Interior View
The original framework can be seen in this circa 1980 view of the interior.
Photo Credit: Mary VanDeusen
Photo Credit: Mary VanDeusen