Manhasset, a hamlet in the Town of North Hempstead, derives its name from the Native American word “Manhassett” which means “the island neighborhood.”  Once part of Cow Neck (which now comprises of Manhasset, Port Washington, and a few surrounding villages) for its offering of exceptional grazing land, Manhasset attracted settlers associated with the Dutch West India Company and the British.

Expanding upon its success as a center of dairy and oyster farming, the Long Island Railroad allowed the prosperity of Manhasset to further burgeon.  The overcrowding of New York City brought to light the new trend of movement towards the suburbs and allowed for a growing economy as the population increased.  Wealthy New Yorkers moved towards the suburbs because of convenience, and the railroad in our town has become a staple.

Manhasset includes the incorporated villages of Munsey Park, Plandome Heights, and Plandome and parts of Plandome Manor, North Hills, and Flower Hill.  It also includes the unincorporated areas such as North and South Strathmore, Strathmore Village, Strathmore Vanderbilt, Norgate, Shorehaven, Spinney Hill, and Terrace Manor.

For more information, please refer to our Landmarks and Geography page.