The Cow Neck Peninsula was named Cow Neck in the 17th century, in large part due to the fact that it served as a common pasture at the time.[1] The Cow Neck Peninsula is famous for its affluence and historic communities, and was famous for its sand mines along Hempstead Harbor throughout the 20th century.[2][3][4][5]
It is believed that 90% of the concrete that built the foundations of New York City came from the Port Washington sand mines, and that over 100 million tons of sand were shipped to Manhattan.[3]
The Cow Neck Peninsula is also known as Manhasset Neck[6] or simply as Cow Neck.[7]
Geography
On its west side, the Cow Neck Peninsula is bordered by Manhasset Bay.[8] On its east side, it is bordered by Hempstead Harbor. To the north, it is bordered by the Long Island Sound.[8]
An 1873 Beers map, showing the Town of North Hempstead. The Cow Neck Peninsula is shown at top. Note that this map was made prior to the incorporation of many villages, and as such, certain villages are not shown on this map.
The following towns are located on the Cow Neck Peninsula – either in part or in whole:[2][10]