How a Long Island village transformed from Quaker farmland into a diverse suburban hub

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Westbury, New York, began as a 17th-century Quaker settlement on the Hempstead Plains. Today, it is a bustling, diverse community that has evolved through centuries of agricultural shifts, wartime occupation, and rapid suburban expansion, all while maintaining a unique identity as a place that welcomes people of all backgrounds.

The origins of Westbury date back to 1658, when the first settlers arrived in the region. Early development was heavily influenced by English Quakers, including Edmond Titus and Henry Willis, the latter of whom named the area after his hometown in Wiltshire, England. These settlers established a society deeply rooted in their faith, eventually building their first meeting house in 1700. Notably, in 1775, the local Quaker community freed all 154 enslaved African Americans they owned, leading to the establishment of a distinct community of freed men and women who built their own farms and eventually the Westbury A.M.E. Zion Church in 1834.

The village's landscape changed dramatically over time. During the American Revolution, British and German mercenaries occupied local homes, and the post-war era saw the settlement of Hessian soldiers who chose to remain in the area. By the 19th century, the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1837 and the development of public infrastructure like schools and electricity in 1902 signaled a shift away from pure agriculture. The 20th century brought further transformation, including the 1932 incorporation of the village and the construction of the Northern State Parkway in 1938. During World War II, Westbury demonstrated significant patriotism, sending 1,400 residents—20% of its population—to serve the country.

Modern Westbury is a dense, urban-like environment covering 2.3 square miles. Its demographic makeup has become increasingly international, with residents tracing their roots to the Caribbean, Latin America, and Southern Europe. The village’s motto, 'A Community for All Seasons,' adopted in the late 1960s, reflects this commitment to diversity. While the village has faced challenges like the high cost of home ownership and shifting economic conditions, it remains a vital part of the Greater Westbury area, anchored by a rich history that connects its colonial Quaker roots to its current status as a vibrant, multi-ethnic suburb located about 18 miles from Manhattan.

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