HEMPSTEAD, a township and village in Queens co., N. Y.; pop. '70, of the town ship. 13,999; of the village, 2,316. The originally extended a. and s. across Long Island, from the sound to the ocean. but was afterwards divided about midway. and the name Hempstead now belongs to the southern half. It contains the villages of Pearsalls, Rockville Center, Baldwins, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead, and several smaller villages. There are few manufactures, the population being mainly engaged in farming and market-gardening. The main line and southern central branches of the Long Island railroad pass through the town. The county agricultural fair grounds are in the n. part of the town at Mineola, on the main line of the railroad. The fairs held there have a high reputation for the exhibition of horses, cattle, and poultry, comparing to advantage with the state fairs. On the ocean the island of Long Beach, belonging to the town, has been leased for a long term of years, and is occupied by one of largest summer hotels near New York. The main hotel building is 900 h. long, and
there are large pavilions and bathing houses, and special railroad trains secure rapid access from New York and Brooklyn. Hempstead village is regularly laid out, with flagged sidewalks, and is lighted with gas. The dwellings are generally of wood, but well built, and some •.very elegant.. There are.5 churches, the ,Presbyteriatt church claiming to be the oldest Presbyterian 'SOciety in the United'States,•otnniz' in 1644. The Epis copal church has in its possession a charter of incorporation signed by king George II., and sonic communion plate given by queen Anne. There are two public halls, four engine-houses, with an excellent volunteer fire department., three principal hotels, a steam flour mill, molding mill, and about 20 places of mercantile business.