Plumb Beach

Can you hear the whispers of the past at Plumb Beach? This seemingly tranquil stretch of shoreline, nestled along Rockaway Inlet in Brooklyn, holds a history as dynamic as the tides that shape it. Plumb Beach, sometimes mistakenly called “Plum,” offers a unique escape within the bustling city. It’s part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a testament to its natural and historical significance. Yet, its story extends far beyond its current designation. Did you know Plumb Beach wasn’t always connected to Brooklyn? It was once a small island, separated from the mainland by Hog Creek until it was filled in during the late 1930s. Imagine the beach then, a truly isolated haven. Sailors frequented Plumb Island in the 1800s, perhaps enjoying the very beach plums that gave the area its name. Reid’s Ferry, established by 1900, connected Plumb Beach with other destinations like Sheepshead Bay and Barren Island. The early 1900s saw Plumb Island develop a small community, complete with a hotel established in 1907. However, this era was also marked by a large population of squatters, a situation that lasted until the devastating 1938 Long Island Express hurricane destroyed their makeshift homes. The construction of the Belt Parkway further solidified the island’s connection to the mainland, and the remaining squatters were relocated. Even the US Army has a surprising connection to Plumb Beach. In the 1890s, the government acquired a portion of the island for a mortar battery. However, the unstable, quicksand-like soil proved unsuitable. This led to a peculiar period where squatters occupied the land, selling goods without paying taxes, and a former judge, Winfield S. Overton, leased the property and became the self-proclaimed “czar of Plumb Island.” Overton even hired his own police force and orchestrated illegal boxing matches disguised as a “carnival,” challenging the authority of the NYPD. This unusual chapter in Plumb Beach’s history ended when the War Department revoked Overton’s lease and installed a new “mayor,” Frank Dotzler, who continued to rule the land as his own fiefdom. Today, Plumb Beach is a popular spot for kiteboarding, thanks to the consistent southerly sea breeze. In the spring, it hosts a natural spectacle as horseshoe crabs arrive to mate, a reminder of the enduring power of nature within this urban landscape. From a secluded island haven to a battleground of legal disputes and now a recreational gem, Plumb Beach’s story continues to unfold with every passing tide.