Nassau County

What secrets does Nassau County hold? Nassau County, nestled on Long Island’s western edge, whispers tales of fortunes made and lost, of aviation triumphs, and of a post-war boom that transformed its landscape. Imagine yourselves transported back to the late 19th century. The year is 1899. Western Queens has just become a part of New York City, and the eastern towns, feeling a disconnect with their urbanized counterparts, decide to forge their own path. Thus, Nassau County was born, carved from the eastern remnants of Queens County. It took its name from the ancestral home of King William III of England: the House of Nassau. The county’s colors, orange and blue, are a nod to this royal lineage. Before the arrival of European settlers, Nassau County was the domain of Native American tribes like the Marsapeque, Matinecoc, and Sacatogue. The Dutch and English soon followed, each vying for control of this fertile land. This clash of cultures played out across Long Island, with the Dutch holding the west and the English settling in the east. By 1700, the English had purchased almost all of Long Island from the native tribes, setting the stage for the county’s future development. Fast forward to the early 20th century. Nassau County became a playground for New York City’s elite. The North Shore’s Gold Coast glittered with opulent mansions, immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. President Theodore Roosevelt himself summered at Sagamore Hill, his Oyster Bay estate, now a National Historic Site. Nassau County’s flat terrain also proved ideal for another kind of pioneering spirit: aviation. Charles Lindbergh launched his historic transatlantic flight from Roosevelt Field in 1927, etching Nassau County’s name into aviation history. During World War II, the Hempstead Plains became a training ground for military aviators. Grumman, a local aircraft manufacturer, churned out planes for the war effort and later built the Apollo Lunar Module. Even the United Nations Security Council briefly called Nassau County home, holding meetings at the Sperry Gyroscope headquarters in Lake Success from 1946 to 1951. It was here that the fateful decision was made to intervene in the Korean War. After World War II, Nassau County underwent a dramatic transformation. New Yorkers flocked to its burgeoning suburbs, seeking refuge from city life. Levitttown, one of the nation’s first planned communities, sprang up, forever changing the county’s landscape. Robert Moses’ parkways and parks, including Jones Beach and Bethpage, provided much-needed recreational spaces for the growing population. Today, Nassau County boasts a population of nearly 1.4 million, making it the sixth most populous county in New York State. While it grapples with the challenges of high property taxes and the legacy of racial segregation, it remains a vital part of the New York metropolitan area, a testament to its rich history and enduring appeal. As you explore Nassau County, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From Native American settlements to Gilded Age mansions to aviation milestones, Nassau County has a story to tell.