Ever wondered where the “shellfish garden of New York City” was? It was right here at Manhasset Bay. Let’s dive into the story of this beautiful bay.
Manhasset Bay is more than just a scenic body of water. It is an embayment in western Long Island, off Long Island Sound. The bay has a rich history, with its name evolving over time.
Initially, the Matinecock tribe of Algonquin Indians inhabited the area. They utilized the bay for fishing and shellfishing. The Dutch settlers called it Schout’s Bay. Later, the English named it Howe’s Bay. Due to extensive cattle grazing, it became known as Cow Bay. Finally, in 1907, it officially became Manhasset Bay.
Imagine the 1920s. Manhasset Bay transitioned from a cow-and-fish industry to support commercial boating. It became known as one of the best harbors on Long Island Sound. There was little tidal current and an average tidal displacement of only six feet.
By the 1980s, Manhasset Bay was bustling with marinas and yacht clubs. The Sands Point Seaplane Base once served as the main airport for passenger service between New York and Europe. In the early 21st century, about 16% of all marinas and yacht clubs in Long Island Sound were here.
Interestingly, Manhasset Bay’s watershed comprises smaller sub-watersheds. These include Barkers Point, Baxter and Mill Pond, and Toms and Plum Points.
Manhasset Bay was once famous for its oyster and clam beds. Mitchells Creek, draining into the bay, is the last undeveloped wetland habitat. This is significant. The bay has experienced wetland loss over the past century.
Access to Manhasset Bay is convenient. You can find it via the North Hempstead Town dock, marinas, yacht clubs and public parks.
Manhasset’s history intertwines with the bay’s evolution. In 1895, the Long Island Rail Road extended service to Manhasset. This spurred growth and development. By the early 1900s, the bay was the “shellfish garden of New York City”. Fishing and shellfishing were crucial for the economy. A growing commercial and recreational boating industry also began.
Consider the bustling activity between the 1920s and 1940s. Over 700,000 tons of materials moved in and out of Manhasset Bay in 1927. About 80 percent involved sand and gravel shipments from Port Washington to New York City. These were used for massive construction projects. Incoming supplies supported the growing population. Barges delivered brick, asphalt, lumber and fuel.
Post World War II, the area experienced even more growth. Boating became more recreational than commercial. Sand mining shifted to Hempstead Harbor. Seaplane flights continued. Swimming was popular at beach clubs, homeowner associations and yacht clubs.
Today, Manhasset Bay remains one of the busiest embayments. It accounts for a significant portion of marinas and yacht clubs in the Long Island Sound region. In 1994, New York State designated Port Washington as a historic center of marine activity. Manhasset Bay’s story is a testament to its dynamic transformation.