About Brooklyn
Description
Fugettaboudit! From the Brooklyn Bridge to Coney Island, and Bayridge to Greenpoint, Brooklyn is New York City’s most populous borough. It is also the largest, at 71 square miles. Did you know that Brooklyn is mostly residential? It is also ranked fourth as the most populated city in the United States. Brooklyn has some of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the country. Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene, DUMBO, East New York, Brighton Beach, are just some of the many neighborhoods that have their own distinct diverse populations. Here are some samples of what are the major ethnic groups in these areas: Borough Park is largely Orthodox Jewish; Bedford-Stuyvesant is one of New York City’s most notable African-American neighborhoods; Bensonhurst historically is Italian-American; Fort Greene is home to many middle-class black professionals, Brighton Beach for many years is a spot where many new Russian immigrants have come to call their home.
There are many Brooklyn Attractions to view while in Brooklyn a few are: the world famous Brooklyn Bridge or how about all the shops and restaurants on Montague Street, Atlantic Avenues or Park Slope. Located in Prospect Park are the Prospect Park Zoo and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden both a must see when taking in the Brooklyn sights. Brooklyn is home to so many authentic ethnic restaurants; you could eat yourself into a daze trying to keep track of all the different nationalities.
Brooklyn shopping is profuse whether it’s a cozy specialty store on Smith Street or a shopping mall, you can spend all day in Brooklyn. So if your coming to visit Brooklyn plan ahead, on our website we have many great places to eat and shop, please search our pages print out some maps and have fun!
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is an independent citizens’ organization that supports the development of a world-class park along the Brooklyn waterfront through advocacy, fundraising, and innovative programming. We are a non-profit organization, funded primarily by individuals, foundations and corporations, working together with the community and government to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life. www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org
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Brooklyn Timeline
| 1776 | During the Revolutionary War, The Battle of Brooklyn was fought for three days in the areas that today are Prospect Park, Park Slope, Bay Ridge and Fort Greene. George Washington retreats and the British occupation of Brooklyn begins. |
| 1827 | Slavery was abolished in New York City. |
| 1841 | The Brooklyn Eagle Newspaper begins publication.Walt Whitman is one of its first editors. |
| 1848 | Brooklyn Borough Hall opens (formerly called Brooklyn City Hall). |
| 1858 | Baseball gets its first real start. The National Association of Base Ball Players is formed. |
| 1862 | The iron-clad Civil War ship Monitor is launched at Greenpoint and later outfitted at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Built in only 101 Days. |
| 1874 | The frankfurter is born in Coney Island by Charles Feltman and later nick-named the “hot dog” by the press in 1906. |
| 1883 | Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge (designed by John Roebling) provided the first link between Brooklyn and Manhattan. During its 13 year construction, 27 men died including its designer. |
| 1898 | Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island (Richmond) join with Manhattan to become New York City. |
| 1902 | The Brooklyn Children’s Museum opens. Hours: Wed-Fri 2-5 pm; Sat & Sun 12-5 pm. Tel. (718) 735-4400 |
| 1913 | Ebbets Field stadium for the Brooklyn Dodgers opens. |
| 1950 | Brooklyn Battery Tunnel opens after 9 years of construction.The only underwater connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn for cars and trucks. |
| 1964 | The Verrazano Bridge opens connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island. Still one of the longest suspension bridges in the world |
*You can pick up one of our Printed Brooklyn maps at the Brooklyn Marriott, the Brooklyn Tourist Center or from any of our many sponsors on the Brooklyn website.