Port Washington History

The area today known as Port Washington has a rich history.  Originally named “Cow Neck” for its communal livestock farms, the area was renamed Port Washington in 1790 after President George Washington stayed nearby on a tour of Long Island.  

In 1753 the first ferry service was established, transporting residents by boat from Port Washington to New Rochelle followed by stagecoach service to Manhattan in 1830.  By 1898 the Long Island Rail Road had established a station in Port Washington, bringing residents to Manhattan and points beyond.  The rail road station also brought visitors into the Port Washington area.

In 1937, just off of Port Washington- in Manhasset Bay, the first ever transatlantic flight began its journey across the Atlantic making Port Washington home to the first international airport.  At the time these planes were essentially just boats with wings, but they did mark a milestone in the modern day transportation industry.

Aside from its rich farmland, Port Washington was also home to the large sand mines that gave Sands Point its moniker.  In the 20th century these sand mines became the raw material for many New York City roadways and sky scrapers.

Local Area Information

The main street area of Port Washington is a picturesque nautical main street filled with small shops, antique stores, garden shops and a movie theater.  On Sunday’s in the summer there is a weekly sidewalk fair.

With over 4 dozen restaurants, deli’s and food markets there is something for everyone from a quick sandwich to an elegant dinner at one of the town’s upscale waterfront restaurants.

Beaches & Parks

Port Washington offers 3 beach parks along Long Island Sound; Bar Beach Park, Hempstead Harbor Beach Park and Manorhaven Beach Park offering swimming, playgrounds, sports fields, basketball courts, boat ramps and picnic areas.  For the nature enthusiast there is Barbara Johnson Park and Preserve and the Sands Point Preserve.  The greater Port Washington area also offers three additional town parks, a community center and a large public library.

For those seeking something a bit more educational, Port Washington is home to the Science Museum of Long Island, a Nautical Museum and the historic Sands-Willets house that was home to the first mayor of New York City.

Harbor Links Golf Course

The only public golf facility in the town of North Hempstead, Harbor Links Golf Course has much to offer, including a magnificent new clubhouse.  The complex also offers a 9 hole Executive course, an 18 hole Championship course overlooking Hempstead Harbor and a mini-golf course for  children and families. 

Americana Mall in Manhasset

A pure mecca of majesty located along Northern Blvd in Manhasset, most commonly known as the ‘Miracle Mile’.  There is probably not an upscale shop, boutique or nationally recognized retailer anywhere on the east coast that comes close to the abundance of shops contained at this premier luxury shopper’s paradise. 

Roosevelt Field in Garden City

Acres and acres of stores, shops and premier shops in an enclosed super mall.  Once the largest mall in America, and still the largest on Long Island, it captivates and draws thousands of shoppers on a daily basis.  

The Schools

The Port Washington School District includes five public Elementary schools, one Middle School and one high school with just over 5000 enrolled students combined.