In early years the River was known as the Connecticut River.  Originating in the northeast end of Long Island, near Yaphank, the river itself became the center for many small industries. Whaling during the early settlement years had focused at the mouth of the river at Long’s Point and Fire Place neck where fires were lighted to guide the whaling ships up to the inlet to places where the land was firm enough for the whales to be processed. Tar and turpentine were also produced and was a thriving business that by 1705 the town began to tax it.

A small settlement grew up around the tarring business and was called "South Haven" shortened from "South Brookhaven". Mills were established here in the early 19^th century. When Samuel Carman married into the mill-owning family, his wise and successful management made him rich and important. He built a large house and provided space for a post office, a tavern and a store. Hunters from New York City liked to come hunt duck and deer, and made Carman’s home a place for sport and politics. The river, long referred to as the Connecticut River, began to be called Carman's River.

( Click the Fish, go ahead, he won't bite)