Franklin Square’s history traces a gradual shift from a sparsely populated farming community to the suburban neighborhood it is today.
In “The Hempstead Plains Heritage Trail: A Journey Through 350 Years of American History,” Franklin Square historian Paul D. van Wie traces the development of communities and historic landmarks across the Hempstead Plains during the 1800s. During that period, much of the area consisted of farmland, open meadows and a small cluster of homes centered around what was then known as Washington Square.
According to information collected by the Franklin Square Historical Society, Washington Square School marked the beginning of District 17, now known as the Franklin Square Union Free School District. The building was constructed on what was formerly known as John Street, now Dogwood Avenue and Nassau Boulevard. For one semester, Walt Whitman, the influential American poet, served as a schoolmaster there.
Van Wie also mentions English travel writer Andrew Burnaby, who wrote about his visit to the Hempstead Plains. During that visit, Burnaby referred to Long Island as “the only one of its kind in North America.”
Agriculture remained the foundation of daily life well into the early 20th century. Family farms stretched across large sections of the community, while businesses along Hempstead Turnpike provided goods and services to residents. Local landmarks included hotels, general stores, blacksmith shops and markets that supported the growing population.
Transportation improvements helped drive change. The arrival of trolley service along Hempstead Turnpike in the early 1900s connected Franklin Square to neighboring communities and New York City, making travel and commerce more accessible. As development increased, new schools, businesses and civic organizations emerged to meet residents’ needs.
The community continued to expand throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Commercial activity became more concentrated along Hempstead Turnpike, while residential development gradually spread into former agricultural areas. New housing developments attracted families seeking homeownership outside the city, accelerating Franklin Square’s transition into a suburban community.
After World War II, development intensified as farmland gave way to residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and public facilities. The population boom led to the expansion of schools, parks and community services. By the 1960s, farming had largely disappeared from the landscape, replaced by the residential streets and institutions that define Franklin Square today.
The Hempstead Plains Heritage Trail highlights this transformation, offering residents an opportunity to explore how generations of farmers, business owners and community leaders contributed to Franklin Square’s growth and character.
