National Register Listing

Sands-Willets Homestead

336 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

exploration settlementT architecture
The first capital of the United States was actually located in New York City, from 1785 to 1790. The city also served as the temporary capital while Washington, D.C. was being built.
New York random facts
Nassau County, located on Long Island, New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Lenape tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with Europeans. In the 17th century, Dutch and English settlers established farms and villages on the island, including Hempstead and Oyster Bay, which are among the oldest English-speaking settlements in the United States.

During the American Revolutionary War, Nassau County played a significant role. British troops occupied Long Island, and the Battle of Long Island, fought in 1776, resulted in a decisive British victory. The county's proximity to New York City made it a strategically important location and it served as a base for British forces throughout the conflict. However, after the war, the region experienced significant growth and development, with new towns and settlements established.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Nassau County became a popular destination for wealthy New York City residents seeking summer retreats. The construction of the Long Island Rail Road in the 1830s made the area more accessible, leading to the establishment of luxurious mansions and resorts, particularly along the Gold Coast. This era of opulence and extravagance was immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby."

Following World War II, Nassau County experienced rapid suburbanization. Affordable housing, improved transportation infrastructure, and the post-war economic boom attracted large numbers of families to the area. With the construction of highways and the expansion of suburban developments, Nassau County transformed into a growing residential and commercial hub.

Today, Nassau County remains a thriving and diverse region, with a mix of suburban neighborhoods, bustling commercial centers, and vibrant cultural attractions. It continues to be an attractive destination for residents, tourists, and businesses alike, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Nassau County, New York.

  • 1643 - Dutch colonists settle in present-day Nassau County.
  • 1664 - English takes control from the Dutch.
  • 1784 - The Town of North Hempstead is established.
  • 1806 - The Town of Oyster Bay is incorporated.
  • 1859 - Long Island Rail Road is extended to east of Brooklyn, opening up Nassau County.
  • 1899 - Nassau County is officially formed.
  • 1922 - Levittown, the first true suburb of Nassau County, is developed.
  • 1947 - Post-World War II suburban development booms in Nassau County.
  • 1999 - Nassau Coliseum is opened.