In 1643 Robert Fordham and John Carmen traveled across Long Island Sound from Connecticut and traveled south to settle Hempstead Village. By 1680 many settlers from Connecticut settled in Roslyn. Also in 1680, Van-Nostrand Starkins built the oldest remaining building in Roslyn.

When 1701 arrived, so did the First Grist Mill. It was erected on Old Northern Blvd. In 1773, Mill Dam and a paper Mill was built by Hendrick Onderdonk. This was the first paper mill on Long Island. By 1790, George Washington toured Long Island, North Hempstead seceded from Town of Hempstead and the Town of North Hempstead is recognized by New York State.

The 1800's brought expansion, industry, the railroads and religion. The Long Island Railroad is established in 1834, and in 1836 the Episcopalians form the religious society of St. Mary's. This was later changed to Trinity parish. The first Post Office was established in Hempstead Harbor in 1838. In 1844 Hempstead Harbor changed its name to Roslyn Heights. When 1852 came, the First Fire Company formed. It was named Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. #1. The first school was built in 1863. In 1876, the Roslyn Savings Bank opened. It was the first savings bank in Nassau County. Telephone service was established in Roslyn by 1887. 1899 saw Nassau County organized after being separated from Queens County.

The 1900's bring in technology and the arts. The year 1900 brought Roslyn Light and Power Company to life. By 1904, Roslyn High School was born. In 1910, the Roslyn Water District was established. The Tower Theatre was built in 1915, but was later destroyed by fire in 1930. It was rebuilt in 1932. In 1937, St. Francis Hospital was erected. The 40's, 50's, 60's and into the 70s, brought many construction projects to Roslyn Heights. The town has not stopped, and it continues its growth to this day.