Ever wondered where America built its mightiest warships? Welcome to the Brooklyn Navy Yard a place that shaped our nation’s future for 165 years.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard began as a tobacco plantation on the East River. It was known as Wallabout Bay. In 1781 it transformed into a shipping yard. The federal government purchased the land for $40000 in 1801. This was part of President John Adams’ plan. He wanted to establish naval yards in the United States. Thomas Jefferson opposed military expansion. The Brooklyn Navy Yard became an active shipyard in 1806.
During the Civil War the Brooklyn Navy Yard became the primary site. It repaired ships and distributed supplies for the Union Fleet. The Yard manufactured 14 large vessels. It retrofitted 416 commercial vessels. This supported the Union’s naval blockades against the Confederate Navy.
World War II saw the Brooklyn Navy Yard earn the nickname “Can-Do Shipyard”. It employed 70000 civilian workers. They built converted or repaired over 5000 ships. These ships served the nation. Many Fort Greene residents were shipbuilders and repairmen. The Brooklyn Navy Yard received an “E” for Excellence award every year until the war ended.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard began to train and employ women. It also hired minority workers. These positions were once held by white men. The Fair Employment Practices Act of 1941 made this possible.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard faced challenges after World War II. Industrial demand declined sharply in Brooklyn. In November 1945 the Brooklyn Navy Yard was renamed the “New York Naval Shipyard”.
In 1964 the Department of Defense announced it was considering closing the New York Naval Shipyard. The Navy decommissioned the yard in 1966. Thousands of New Yorkers lost their jobs.
Today the Brooklyn Navy Yard is an industrial and commercial complex run by the New York City government. It houses over 300 businesses. These businesses span diverse industries. They include maritime, media, medicine and design. Also fashion, carpentry and green manufacturing are here.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard includes dozens of structures. Some date to the 19th century. The Brooklyn Naval Hospital served as the yard’s hospital. It was open from 1838 until 1948. Dry Dock 1 was completed in 1851. It is a New York City designated landmark.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s history is explored through exhibits. You can find them at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92. It opened to the public in November 2011.
So as you stand here take a moment to appreciate the legacy. The Brooklyn Navy Yard represents American industry technology innovation and manufacturing. Its impact resonates far beyond these gates.