Historic marker unveiled in Huntington honors Revolutionary War patriot Dr. Gilbert Potter
For many residents, Gilbert Potter's name is unfamiliar. But 250 years ago, Dr. Potter was one of Huntington’s most respected figures.
More Stories
On Friday, the Town of Huntington unveiled a new historical marker honoring Dr. Gilbert Potter — an accomplished physician, military leader and steadfast supporter of American independence —as part of its Liberty 250 celebrations marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The ceremony on Wall Street began with an introduction from Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, as well as remarks from the town clerk, the Huntington Historical Society, the Ketewamoke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the town historian.
For many residents, Gilbert Potter's name is unfamiliar. But 250 years ago, Dr. Potter was one of Huntington’s most respected figures.
Potter, born in Huntington on Jan. 8, 1725, served as a surgeon during King George’s War at age 20. After returning home and marrying Elizabeth Williams, he continued his medical career while also serving in multiple military campaigns with the British. He fought as a captain in the Battle of Ticonderoga in 1756 and later oversaw an army hospital in Schenectady before returning once again to Huntington.
By 1771, Potter had become one of only two doctors on Long Island authorized to administer smallpox inoculations. His "hospital" for quarantined patients operated in Cold Spring Harbor.
As tensions rose ahead of the American Revolution, Potter emerged as a prominent local leader. He was elected lieutenant colonel of the Western Regiment of the Suffolk County Militia, and in 1775 wrote to the New York Provincial Congress declaring he was “determined to live and die free.”
During the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, Potter led his militiamen in an effort to keep cattle out of British hands. After the American defeat, British forces occupied Huntington and required residents to swear loyalty to King George III.
"They made all the men swear an oath of loyalty to the Crown, and Gilbert Potter never swore an oath of loyalty to the Crown. He remained true to the Patriot cause," said Robert Hughes, the Huntington Town Historian.
Potter fled to Connecticut during the British Occupation. While he was away, his wife Elizabeth — herself an accomplished healer — kept his medical practice alive at their home on Wall Street, now the site of a Stop & Shop supermarket. After the war, Potter returned to Huntington and resumed practicing medicine until his death in 1786. Elizabeth lived until 1811. They are both buried at the Old Burying Ground Cemetery off Main Street.
“The 250th anniversary really reminds us of all the sacrifices that Huntington Patriots have made, and none more so than Gilbert Potter,” said Hughes.
Town officials say the new marker is just the beginning of a series of Liberty 250 events planned across Huntington. For a list of upcoming events, visit the Town's website: www.huntingtonny.gov/liberty250
The Huntington Historical Society recently launched a Bloomberg Connect App which offers historical information and a virtual tour of Huntington’s Revolutionary‑era sites. Visitors to the Gilbert Potter marker can also scan a QR code to download the app.
There was a marker for Gilbert Potter at this location, but the sign was taken down years ago. Now the marker is back to commemorate a patriot in heart of the community he helped shape.
