How The Neighborhoods, Streets, Parks, Bridges And More Got Their Names

In a city full of history and vibrant culture, each neighborhood, street, park, and bridge carries a unique tale behind its name. Exploring the origins of these names offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and provides a deeper understanding of the community. Join us on a journey through time as we unveil the intriguing stories behind the names that shape our surroundings.

1. The Neighborhoods

The Old Town

At the core of the city lies the historic Old Town, widely recognized as the birthplace of the community. Its name finds its roots in the early settlement period when the first settlers established their humble foothold in what would eventually flourish into a bustling metropolis.

The Waterfront

Stretching along the city's shoreline, the vibrant and picturesque Waterfront neighborhood draws its name from the panoramic views it offers of the shimmering waters. In the past, it served as a hub for maritime activities and played a crucial role in the city's trading history.

Brooklyn By Name: How the Neighborhoods, Streets, Parks, Bridges, and More Got Their Names

by Leonard Benardo(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5963 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

2. The Streets

Main Street

Main Street stands as a testimony to the city's growth and development. Initially named after one of the first settlers, it quickly became the central artery connecting various neighborhoods and facilitating the flow of commerce, establishing itself as the heart of the city.

Bridge Avenue

Nestled alongside a majestic bridge, this street earned its name due to the grand structure that spans a river, connecting two communities. The bridge itself was constructed to link different parts of the city, fostering unity and accessibility.

3. The Parks

Rose Park

Named after the abundance of beautiful rose gardens within its grounds, Rose Park provides a serene escape from the bustling city life. The enchanting fragrance and vibrant colors of the flowers symbolize the park's role as a haven of tranquility for locals and visitors alike.

Heritage Park

Aiming to preserve the city's rich cultural heritage, the community decided to name this park Heritage Park. Here, locals can immerse themselves in historical exhibits, events, and engage in activities that celebrate the city's traditions and customs.

4. The Bridges

Liberty Bridge

An emblem of freedom and independence, this bridge earned its name as a tribute to the city's spirit. Constructed during a time of great social and political change, it became a symbol of hope and a spiritual connection between neighborhoods.

Unity Bridge

Unifying two communities that were once divided, the Unity Bridge exemplifies the harmonious coexistence and collaboration between people. Its name signifies the city's commitment to fostering connections and building bridges, both figuratively and literally.

As we wander through these neighborhoods, walk the streets, enjoy the parks, and cross the bridges, let us not forget the stories and histories that their names carry. The names in our surroundings reflect the journey and values of our city, connecting us to our past while guiding us towards a brighter future. Each name represents a fragment of a larger narrative, reminding us of the community's resilience, progress, and the shared experiences that shape our lives.

So, the next time you stroll through your neighborhood or cross a familiar bridge, remember to appreciate the little details that make every corner of our city unique. Embrace the stories, embrace the names, and feel a deeper connection to the place you proudly call home.

Brooklyn By Name: How the Neighborhoods, Streets, Parks, Bridges, and More Got Their Names

by Leonard Benardo(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5963 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

Brooklyn's historic names are emblems of American culture and history. Uncovering the remarkable stories behind the landmarks, Brooklyn By Name takes readers on a stroll through the streets and places of this thriving metropolis to reveal the borough's textured past. Listing more than 500 of Brooklyn's most prominent place names, organized alphabetically by region, and richly illustrated with photographs and current maps the book captures the diverse threads of American history. We learn about the Canarsie Indians, the region's first settlers, whose language survives in daily traffic reports about the Gowanus Expressway. The arrival of the Dutch West India Company in 1620 brought the first wave of European names, from Boswijck (town in the woods,  later Bushwick) to Bedford-Stuyvesant, after the controversial administrator of the Dutch colony, to numerous places named after prominent Dutch families like the Bergens.The English takeover of the area in 1664 led to the Anglicization of Dutch names, (vlackebos, meaning ;wooded plain,  became Flatbush) and the of distinctively English names (Kensington, Brighton Beach). A century later the American Revolution swept away most Tory monikers, replacing them with signers of the Declaration of Independence and international figures who supported the revolution such as Lafayette (France),De Kalb (Germany),and Kosciuszko (Poland). We learn too of the dark corners of Brooklyns past, encountering over 70 streets named for prominent slaveholders like Lefferts and Lott but none for its most famous abolitionist, Walt Whitman.From the earliest settlements to recent commemorations such as Malcolm X Boulevard, Brooklyn By Name  tells the tales of the poets, philosophers, baseball heroes, diplomats, warriors, and saints who have left their imprint on this polyethnic borough that was once almost disastrously renamed  New York East. Ideal for all Brooklynites, newcomers, and visitors, this book includes:Over 500 entries explaining the colorful history of Brooklyn's most prominent place names Over 100 vivid photographs of Brooklyn past and present 9 easy to follow and up-to-date maps of the neighborhoods Informative sidebars covering topics like Ebbets Field, Lindsay Triangle, and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge Covers all neighborhoods, easily find the street you're on Fascinating morsels of Brooklyn history. An entertaining, breezy compilation for the NYU Press, perfect for reading down at Coney, up on tar beach, or out on your shady front stoop this summer. So if you wanna know how Dead Horse Bay, Sheepshead Bay, Floyd Bennett Field, Smith St. Carroll Gardens, Junior's Restaurant, Green Wood Cemetery, Gilmore Court or the Riegelmann Boardwalk got their names, grab a copy of Brooklyn by Name New York Daily News Information is well presented and well illustrated both factors making this guide easy on the eye. Hardly a location is left unexplored in this fascinating, indispensable guide to a borough undeservedly in Manhattan's shadow. Booklist; Witty, occasionally irreverent and always engaging, Brooklyn by Name takes readers from the six independent towns that once comprised Breuckelen to the modern metropolis. Weiss and Benardo have uncovered surprising data and have woven a compulsively readable narrative. Pick it up, rifle through, and find out about or be reminded of the underpinnings of our borough's heritage. The Brooklyn Rail This book is an essential companion for anyone teaching about Brooklyn, for anyone writing about the borough, and for tour guide people. Benardo and Weiss have to be pleased with their product, and clearly should be congratulated.