Manhasset

Village in North Hempstead town, Nassau County, southeastern New York State; population (1990) 7,800. Manhasset lies on the North Shore of Long Island near the head of Manhasset Bay.

Originally known as Cow's Neck, Manhasset was established in the mid-17th century by 40 English families and a few Dutch settlers, who bought the land from the indigenous Matinecock people. The town was occupied by British soldiers for seven years during the Revolution (the longest time any American territory has been held by foreign forces). Today Manhasset is an affluent district, known for its exclusive ‘Miracle Mile’ shopping street. It is also the site of North Shore University Hospital.