East Rockaway, Long Island
 East Rockaway is a village located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. It is in the Town of Hempstead at the base of the Rockaway Peninsula. As of 2000 census, there were 10,414 people, 3,926 households, and 2,787 families residing in the area. The median income for a household in the village was $59,911, and the median income for a family was $78,363. Males had a median income of $50,365 and only $36,387 for females. The latitude of East Rockaway is 40.641N. The longitude is -73.67W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 10 feet.
The village started as a shipping and trading center for the south shore of Long Island. It was formerly named as Near Rockaway and derives from Indian tribe called Rockawanahaha meaning for "the place of our people." Because of its location as deep channels inland, the village was desirable for many ships. Sooner or later, Joseph Haviland built a grist mill on the Mill River through a land grant in 1688. Yet, an oven was purchased to make bread for the surrounding population. The village boomed in shipping and milling over the years, even after several sales of the land. In 1869, the village's name was changed into East Rockaway and became incorporated in 1900 as Floyd Johnson served as the president. At the time of incorporation the town had a population of only 969.
The Haviland-Davison Grist Mill is one of the historic landmarks that can be found in the village. It derives its historical significance from an association with the early settlement pattern and economic success of its south shore community. In fact, it was included in the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places validating the high esteem in which the Haviland-Davison Grist Mill is held locally. Now, it serves as a museum that opens weekends every summer that contains village artifacts and historical material. In addition to its grist mill, the village boasted a flourishing sea port, whose business increased when the building of the New York City Customs House left this Village and Raynortown is the only free ports of entry in the vicinity. The construction of the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Railroad drew the center of trade from this Village to Pearsall's Corners and several years later, the causeway for the Long Beach Branch put an end to East Rockaway’s days as a seaport.
The Baisley Free Library has become The East Rockaway Free Library located in a fine colonial brick building that has been open to anyone and The East Rockaway Public School District is committed to provide safety and quality education of their students. The village is also having a low crime rate percentage that makes it a very safe to live. It is protected by the 4th Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department.
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