Imagine a place where the hustle of New York City fades. That place is Gerritsen Beach. It is a tight-knit waterfront community.
Gerritsen Beach offers a tranquil escape. Its history is as rich as its coastal charm. Let’s uncover the story of this unique Brooklyn neighborhood. Gerritsen Beach got its name from Wolfert Gerritsen. He was a Dutch settler. He arrived in the area in the mid-17th century. The land was mainly farmland and fishing grounds then.
Wolfert Gerritsen was one of many Dutch settlers. They acquired land in the region. The area became known as Gerritsen’s Creek. Over time it shortened to Gerritsen Creek. Eventually, the name attached to the nearby beach. This gave us the name Gerritsen Beach.
For many years, Gerritsen Beach was a fishing village. Local commerce revolved around seafood and shellfish markets. In the early 1900s, developers began building homes. They opened a yacht club. Gerritsen Beach became a popular summer destination.
Today, Gerritsen Beach boasts a close-knit community. Long-time residents and young families are drawn to its coastal charm. The community values safety and quality of life. It is virtually hidden from the bustle of Brooklyn.
Gerritsen Beach is a secluded peninsula. It lies in southern Brooklyn. You will find marinas and cozy single-family homes here. It’s located between Sheepshead Bay and Marine Park. Gateway Park and Floyd Bennet Field are nearby.
Gerritsen Beach has a fascinating history. It also has some interesting secrets. Off Gerritsen Beach is an uninhabited island. It is named Mau Mau Island or White Island. The island is manmade and potentially under 100 years old. Robert Moses created nearby Marine Park. He used the city’s trash to fill marshlands.
Gerritsen Beach has the last remaining volunteer fire department in Brooklyn. It is nicknamed the Vollies. The volunteer fire department was organized in 1922. This was when the neighborhood became a summer-resort community.
In the early years, Gerritsen Beach established community initiatives. These were separate from the rest of the city. They included a Civic Association and Chamber of Commerce. Strangely, there was a mayor and a commissioner of parks.
Gerritsen Beach pioneered the suburban model. This inspired dozens of others in the early 20th century. William Greve erected thousands of homes. He mimicked Venice. The bungalows were accompanied by shops and restaurants. There was a community clubhouse and a place of worship.
Gerritsen Creek gets its name from the Gerritsen family. They were early Dutch settlers. The creek was the original port of entry for the Dutch. It was an important trading dock for southern Brooklyn. In the mid-1600s, Hugh Gerritsen built the first tide-powered grist mill in North America.
Gerritsen Beach has a canal. It nearly divides the peninsula in half. This is one of a handful of streets with fascinating names. Many streets are laid out in alphabetical order.
Gerritsen Beach is home to a model airplane field. It was established in 1969. The Radio Control Society of Marine Park adopted it. The club strives to help radio control pilots become better pilots.
Gerritsen Beach continues to be a unique and special place. It offers a blend of history, community, and coastal beauty. As you explore, remember the stories. Remember the people who shaped this charming neighborhood.