The Town of Hempstead, located in Nassau County, New York, is the largest township in the United States, encompassing over 142 square miles, with a population of approximately 725,000 people. Within the Town there are 34 unincorporated areas and 22 incorporated villages.

Hempstead is one of the nation's oldest towns, dating back to 1644. Its history traces our development from the earliest day of European settlement on the North American Continent. Hempstead Town residents treasure this rich and unique heritage. The town may have been named for either Hemel-Hempstead, England, or the Dutch city of Heemstede.

The Town of Hempstead has been a progressive precedent-setting leader in many areas of municipal administration. The city's model in such varied fields as economic development, environmental conservation, solid waste disposal, and recreation have been emulated by other cities.

The town boasts many cultural attractions including over twenty-five museums and historical sites. The Town of Hempstead offers some of the finest wildlife and nature areas in the country including the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve and the Twin Lakes Preserve.