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is a hamlet (and census-designated place or CDP) in Nassau County (Long Island), New York, United States. Its name is derived from being the meadow of Hempstead Plains east of the Meadow Brook (originally a brook, now replaced by a parkway of the same name). Located just 30 miles (48 km) from downtown Manhattan and with approximately 86% of residents commuting to work, East Meadow is a thriving suburb of New York City.
In 1655, two surveyors for Hempstead Town reported that the "east meadow" would be suitable for grazing. The area quickly became a grazing area for cattle and later, in the 1700s, for sheep. The sheep of the East Meadow, NY area provided the country with more than 50% of the United States' wool needs during that time.
During the American Revolutionary War, East Meadow was occupied by British forces when they discovered the vast amounts of livestock herded there, and remained under their control until the end of the war.
Two large farms existed in what is now East Meadow: the Barnum farm (Barnum Woods), and the Carman farm.
It is rumored that President George Washington spent a night on the (Barnum) estate during a trip across Long Island in 1790.
Another early settlement was located near what is now the intersection of East Meadow Avenue (formerly called Newbridge Avenue; not to be confused with nearby Newbridge Road) and Prospect Avenue. The old Hoeffner homestead is now the site of veterans memorial park, and East Meadow's Post Office.
The (Barnum) estate was acquired by the Hoeffner family in 1914. Part of the old Barnum farm is now the site of Barnum Woods Elementary School, and the main road that passes by the school, Merrick Avenue, was originally called Barnum Avenue.
Carman Avenue is home to East Meadow High School, the Nassau County Correctional Facility, and the Nassau University Medical Center, the tallest building in Nassau County.
On March 11 2004, President George W. Bush made a visit to East Meadow for the groundbreaking of a new memorial for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.