Brooklyn Public Library's Carroll Gardens History

One of the great hidden gems, and underutilized resources in New York City is the public library system. I remember as a child going to events there, and being fascinated at all of the FREE books that were available. And then computers, and copies and talks and rental equipment. Talk about a true public service and a true public good!

Well, turns out that the Brooklyn Public Library has a great website, aimed specifically at the history of Carroll Gardens: Our Brooklyn - Carroll Gardens History.

"Before there were streets, there was an Indian path along what is now Henry Street. Native American Indians sold a tract of land to Dutch farmers Adrianse Bennet and Jacques Bentyn in 1636, and it was around the area of Carroll Gardens that development first began. Docks and warehouses were constructed in Red Hook, and a plan was made to dredge the Gowanus Creek and drain its surrounding swamps to form a navigable inland waterway. To facilitate the transportation of bodies from Manhattan to Green-Wood Cemetery, the Hamilton Avenue Ferry began service in 1846. These factors encouraged developers of the 1860s to build the residences that are now among the most sought-after homes in Brooklyn."

Although the ethnicity and income classes have changed, sounds like Carroll Gardens has ALWAYS been under development pressure!

Be sure to click over for a synopsis of Irish immigration, BQE construction and, of course, the Carroll Gardens Public Library Branch, on Union and Clinton.