Quarters A

Hidden behind the walls of the Brooklyn Navy Yard sits Quarters A. A stately federal-style house, Quarters A whispers stories of a time when America’s naval might was taking shape. Built between 1805 and 1806, Quarters A served as the residence for the commanders of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The house witnessed history unfold, from the Civil War to both World Wars. Imagine the hushed conversations and strategic planning within these walls. One of Quarters A’s most famous residents was Commodore Matthew C. Perry. He lived here from 1841 to 1843, before his momentous voyage to Japan. Perry’s expedition opened Japan to trade with the United States, forever changing the course of both nations. A rumored piece of trivia adds another layer of intrigue to Quarters A. It’s said that the oval dining room mirrors the dimensions of the Oval Office in the White House. Though just a rumor, it’s a fun thought to imagine presidents and commodores dining in similarly shaped rooms. Quarters A remained the commander’s residence until the Navy Yard’s closure in 1964. The house then transitioned to private ownership, becoming a hidden gem amidst the revitalized Brooklyn landscape. While not open to the public, the house’s elegant facade and historical significance can still be appreciated from afar. Quarters A stands as a silent sentinel, a testament to a bygone era of naval power and a reminder of the individuals who shaped American history.