Long Island
The Sandbar of the East
Motto: Long Island, Our Pride (An Ighland Mar Sinne)
Flora: Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)
Fauna: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Beverage: Long Island Iced Tea
⭐ Hempstead, LI
Population: 2,921,694
Founded: 1640
Former State: New York (now Upstate)
Counties: Nassau, Suffolk
Long Island, located along the Atlantic coast, stretches approximately 90 miles from the western border of Nassau County to Montauk Point at the island’s eastern tip. The new state encompasses Nassau and Suffolk counties, forming a diverse mix of urban and suburban communities. The largest municipalities include Hempstead, Brookhaven, Oyster Bay, and Huntington, known for their affluent neighborhoods and proximity to New York City.
The island’s economy is driven by industries such as healthcare, education, and technology, with major employers like Northwell Health and Canon U.S.A. Long Island's North Fork region is famous for its thriving wine industry, with over 50 vineyards producing award-winning wines. The region’s unique maritime climate, fertile soil, and long growing season contribute to its reputation as a top wine-producing area, attracting visitors from across the country for wine tastings and tours.
Long Island is home to cultural landmarks like the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Tilles Center for Performing Arts. The Hamptons, located on the South Fork, are renowned for their upscale summer homes, pristine beaches, and vibrant art scene, drawing visitors and celebrities from around the world. The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City highlights Long Island’s significant role in aerospace history, from early aviation to space exploration.
Jones Beach State Park, one of the most popular oceanfront destinations in the Northeast, spans over 6 miles of coastline. Fire Island National Seashore offers more than 26 miles of beaches and protected dunes, while the Long Island Pine Barrens safeguard unique ecological environments like rare maritime forests and wetlands.
36
If Long Island was admitted as a state today, it would be the 36th largest by population, between Mississippi and New Mexico.