Hempstead, New York

About

Hempstead is a town located in the county of Nassau in the U.S. state of New York. Its population at the 2010 census was 759,757. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 764,055 inhabitants.

Hempstead is a village located in Nassau County, New York, on the south shore of Long Island. With a population of around 55,000, Hempstead is the largest village in New York.

Early Settlement

The roots of Hempstead date back to the 1640s when English settlers from Stamford, Connecticut established the town of Hempstead under a charter from the Dutch governor of New Netherland. This made it one of the oldest European-American settlements in what is now New York.

Its location on the fertile Hempstead Plains made it ideal for farming. Agriculture and raising livestock were the mainstays of the local economy for centuries. The village grew slowly but steadily as a rural farming community through the 18th and 19th centuries.

Growth in the 20th Century

Hempstead transformed rapidly in the 20th century. Its population exploded from 3,000 in 1900 to over 50,000 by 1950. Several factors drove this growth.

Its proximity to New York City made it an attractive suburb as urban residents moved to Long Island. Major transportation projects like the Long Island Railroad and parkways built in the early 20th century enabled commuting and connected Hempstead to the economic engine of NYC.

Levittown, America’s famous postwar planned suburb, abuts Hempstead and drove major residential and commercial development. By the 1950s, Hempstead was transformed into a diverse suburban community.

Hempstead Today

Today, Hempstead is both a suburb and a self-contained community. Over 50% of residents work within the village, sustaining many local businesses and jobs. It functions as the civic, economic, and transportation hub of the surrounding area.

The area boasts a diverse population, with large African American, Hispanic, Caribbean, and European immigrant communities. This diversity brings a robust mix of cultural traditions and eateries. Neighborhoods range from pre-revolutionary homes to Levittown’s iconic suburban housing.

Hempstead continues to balance its rich history with suburban growth and economic development. The village faces challenges like crime and poverty, but community members are active in civic engagement to improve the quality of life. As Long Island’s largest village, Hempstead occupies an important place regionally and retains a distinct identity.

Quick Facts about Hempstead

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Geography

Hempstead is located at 40°42'22"N 73°37'7"W (40.7062100, -73.6187400).

Hempstead map

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People born in Hempstead, including politician Henry Southard, recording artist; rapper and actor Method Man, musician Shannon McNally, .

List

• Shalom H. Schwartz (Israeli psychologist) he was born in 01/01/1940
• Drew Nicholas (American basketball player) he was born in 17/05/1981
• Bill Nieder (Athletics competitor, shot putter) he was born in 10/08/1933
• Bryan Bailey (American basketball player) he was born in 13/05/1980
• Craig S. Harris (American musician) he was born in 10/09/1953
• Brian Pumper (American movie film director and actor) he was born in 25/04/1981
• Gene Ruggiero (American film editor) he was born in 20/06/1910
• Mark Mobius (American businessman) he was born in 17/08/1936
• Peter Warren he was born in 21/11/1935
• William C. Hayes (American egyptologist) he was born in 21/03/1903
• Stuart Merrill (American poet, who wrote mostly in the French language) he was born in 01/08/1863
• Bob Wright (US businessman) he was born in 23/04/1943
• Brandee Younger (American Harpist) she was born in 01/01/1983
• George H. Williams (former President Of American University) he was born in 12/02/1918
• George Wallace (American poet) he was born in 22/03/1949
• Peter J. Stadelman (American politician) he was born in 29/10/1871
• Tu Holloway (American basketball player) he was born in 21/08/1989
• William Laing (American Union Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor) he was born in 01/01/1831

• Hempstead , Texas city in Texas, USA with a population of 8,835 people.