Introduction to Uniondale

Uniondale, known before 1853 as Tutle Hook, has been the site of rich military history.   It's story dates back to the Revolution when Uniondale served as an enlistment center and takes us through World War II with the development of an Army Air Force Base in 1961.  The interim has seen an infantry training center during the War of 1812, a Civil War Camp, a Spanish American War Camp, a World War I camp and the establishment of Mitchel Field which served as an Army Air Corps base during World War II. 

The establishment of Mitchel Field led to the suburbanization of Uniondale.  Following World War II, many members of the military were based at Mitchel Field and sought to establish a home in the nearby area.  Mitchel Field was also an employment opportunity for civilians, which contributed to the formation of a community.  

The closing of Mitchel Field in 1961 left  a large area for subsequent commercial development.  Parts of Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, Nassau Coliseum, and many office buildings now occupy the site where  Mitchel Field had previously been. 

Uniondale has more recently served as a major sports center on Long Island. Nassau Coliseum is currently home to The New York Islanders hockey team and housed The New York Nets basketball team between 1968 and 1977.  The Jets training facility, with the "bubble" for practicing in inclement
weather, is no longer used by the Jets; Hofstra will now devote those
buildings for the classrooms of its new Medical School.
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