Oakdale is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) within the Town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York. Oakdale was founded around two Native American trade routes, where Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway currently lie. Oakdale was part of the royal land grant given to William Nicoll, who founded Islip Town in 1697. Local historian Charles P. Dickerson, writing in 1975, said Oakdale’s name apparently came from a Nicoll descendant in the mid-19th century. The community has other claims to historical distinction: St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1765, is the third oldest church on Long Island. In 1912, Jacob Ockers of Oakdale organized the Bluepoint Oyster Co., which became the largest oyster producer and shipper in the country. Oakdale is home to Dowling College (closed now) and the Oakdale Campus of St. John’s University.
Population: 7,974
Zip Code: 11769
Area Code: 631
Elevation: 10′
Oakdale Campus: St. John’s University
