Rows of elegant brownstones stand before you. Welcome to Boerum Hill Historic District. This isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a living testament to Brooklyn’s rich past.
Boerum Hill’s story begins long ago with the Boerum family’s colonial farm. Their land covered much of this area during early Dutch settlement. The 1790 census even reveals that the family owned enslaved people. Imagine the lives lived here centuries ago.
Most of the buildings you see today date back to between 1840 and 1870. These are three-story row houses. Despite the name’s “hill” these stand relatively flat. Some areas were once marshes bordering Gowanus Creek. Before Boerum Hill’s official naming in 1964 this was sometimes called North Gowanus. Helen Buckler founder of the Boerum Hill Association gave it the name we know today.
For decades Boerum Hill housed working-class African-American and Puerto Rican families. Gentrification has since changed the area. However working-class families remain. The neighborhood has always been a melting pot.
In the early 20th century many buildings became boarding houses. Nearby was a union hall for ironworkers. These skilled men worked on city bridges and skyscrapers. The north end of Smith Street held a special place. It was the heart of New York City’s Mohawk community. Many Mohawk men were ironworkers. Their wives worked various jobs. They built a community called “Little Caughnawaga”.
The Boerum Hill Historic District gained official recognition in 1973. This was after years of advocacy by the Boerum Hill Association. Its landmark status was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Many of the buildings you see are individually landmarked.
Today Boerum Hill thrives. It boasts independent boutiques and renowned restaurants. Artists have made this area their home. The neighborhood is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The Invisible Dog Art Center Roulette and Issue Project Room are just a few examples. You’ll also find the Smith Street restaurant row and the Atlantic Avenue design district.
Boerum Hill has even become a backdrop for movies and books. Spike Lee’s Clockers was filmed here. Jonathan Lethem’s novels Motherless Brooklyn and The Fortress of Solitude are set in Boerum Hill.
This district is not just brick and mortar. It’s a tapestry woven from the lives of those who built it and those who continue to shape its vibrant character. Boerum Hill’s story is your story too. Walk its streets and let the history unfold.