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History
The town was first settled around 1644 following the
establishment of a treaty between English colonists,
John Carman and Robert Fordham, and the Indians in
1643. Although the settlers were from the English
colony of Connecticut, a patent was issued by New
Amsterdam after the settlers had purchased land from
the local natives. The town may have been named for
either Hemel Hempstead, England or the Dutch city
of Heemstede. Some other suggestions regarding the
origins of the name include one referencing a law
during colonial times, requiring all farmers in the
town to alternate one year, growing their cash crop,
and the other year, growing hemp to replenish the
soil. This method of soil regeneration was known as
cover cropping.
During
the American Revolution the Loyalists in the south
and the American sympathizers in the north caused
a split in 1784 into "North Hempstead" and
"South Hempstead."
The
village was established by settlers from Massachusetts
and Connecticut.
Hempstead
was a Tory stronghold during the Revolution.
Well-known
residents have included:
· E.H. Harriman, railroad magnate
· John Mackey, football player
· Julius Erving, basketball player
Nearby parks & recreation: Jones Beach, Arboretum
and Bird Sanctuary
Hempstead attractions: Hempstead Lake State Park
Historic
sites and museums: African American Museum, Hofstra
Museum, Rock Hall Museum
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 755,924
people, 246,828 households, and 193,513 families residing
in the town. The population density was 2,433.0/km²
(6,301.3/mi²). There were 252,286 housing units
at an average density of 812.0/km² (2,103.0/mi²).
The racial makeup of the town was 74.65% White, 14.78%
Black or African American, 0.19% Native American,
3.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.50% from other
races, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic
or Latino of any race were 11.46% of the population.
There
were 246,828 households out of which 36.5% had children
under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married
couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder
with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families.
18.1% of all households were made up of individuals
and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years
of age or older. The average household size was 3.02
and the average family size was 3.41.
In
the town the population was spread out with 25.4%
under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from
25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were
65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years.
For every 100 females there were 92.3 males. For every
100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.
The
median income for a household in the town was $68,083,
and the median income for a family was $77,147. Males
had a median income of $50,818 versus $36,334 for
females. The per capita income for the town was $28,153.
About 4.0% of families and 5.8% of the population
were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those
under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.
More
information on Hempstead, NY
The Town of Hempstead is proud to be America's largest
Township. With a population of just under 762,000
people, Hempstead Town is bigger than six states.
The Town encompasses more than 142 square miles, containing
51 unincorporated areas and 22 incorporated villages,
more than 65 parks and marinas, and 2,599 miles of
town, county, state, and federal roads. We are also
one of the nation's oldest towns, dating back to 1644.
Our history traces our development from the earliest
day of European settlement on the North American Continent.
Hempstead Town residents treasure this rich and unique
heritage.
Our
churches with their magnificent altars, architecture
and stained glass windows make a visit worthwhile.
Restaurants serve gourmet food comparable to delicious
meals anywhere, priced to fit any budget. Our hotels
are distinguished for their fine rooms and service.
It's all happening in Hempstead Town!
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