Brooklyn, the most populous borough of NYC, was founded by the Dutch in the 17th century. It has a rich history, diverse culture, and has experienced a renaissance in the 21st century.
Brooklyn's origins date back to 1636 when the town of Breuckelen was founded by Dutch colonists due to its geography on the river.
In 1643, Lady Deborah Moody, an Englishwoman escaping religious persecution, founded the village of Gravesend in the Dutch territory.
In 1645, the Gravesend settlement was established under a Dutch patent by English followers of Anabaptist Deborah Moody. It was named after 's-Gravenzande, Netherlands, or Gravesend, England.
In 1646, the Village of 'Breuckelen' was settled on the western end of Long Island, authorized by the Dutch West India Company for their North American colony of New Netherland. It was named after the town of Breukelen in the Netherlands.
In 1647, Flatlands was chartered as Nieuw Amersfoort. It was one of the original parishes in Brooklyn.
The Wyckoff House, estimated to have been built in 1652, is one of the first structures constructed by Europeans on Long Island. A small section from 1652 remains, and it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
In 1654, the municipal privileges of Brooklyn were enlarged, signifying a growth in the administrative and legal autonomy of the settlement.
The Old Gravesend Cemetery, founded around 1658, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains the graves of original patentees and settlers of Brooklyn along with their families.
In 1661, Bushwick was chartered as Boswijck. It was one of the original parishes in Brooklyn.
In 1664, the English captured the New Netherland colony from the Dutch, leading to the renaming of the area as New York after James, Duke of York. This event marked the beginning of English control in the region.
In 1674, the British captured the Dutch territory and consolidated the six villages, including Gravesend, into Kings County.
On November 1, 1683, Kings County was partitioned from the West Riding of York Shire, establishing it as one of the 'original twelve counties'. This laid the foundation for the development of a distinct Brooklyn identity.
The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, took place on August 27, 1776, and was a significant engagement in the American Revolutionary War. British forces defeated the Continental Army, leading to Washington's tactical withdrawal across the East River.
As a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the British evacuated New York City, marking the end of their control in the region. This event was celebrated by New Yorkers well into the 20th century.
The first decennial United States Census of 1790 records a small population for the villages of Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights on the western end of Long Island.
A small Methodist Episcopal congregation purchases land in Brooklyn from Joshua Sands to build a church named Sands Street Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, consisting of Caucasians, free Negroes, and ex-slaves.
Joshua Sands and his wife reorganize and rename the Episcopal church they patronize as St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, honoring Saint Ann, Queen Ann of England, and Ann Ayscough Sands.
New York State passes the Gradual Emancipation Act to abolish slavery in stages, with a compromise that will lead to full emancipation of adult slaves in Brooklyn by July 4, 1828.
The 1800 United States Census records a small population for the budding village on the western end of Long Island.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard was established in 1801 along the eastern bank of the East River by the United States Department of the Navy. It underwent multiple expansions over the next 150 years.
Martin Kalbfleisch served as the Mayor of the City of Brooklyn from 1861 to 1863 and again from 1867 to 1871, including during the American Civil War. He later became a United States representative from Brooklyn.
'Quarters 'A' was built as the residence of the Commander of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1805-06.
The Long Island Star newspaper started its publication in 1809.
Henry C. Murphy, who later became the Mayor of Brooklyn in 1842, was born in Brooklyn in 1810.
The steam-powered ferry Nassau starts operating between Fulton Street, Brooklyn, and Wall Street, New York City, enabling reliable daily commuting between the two cities. This development contributes to the growth of Brooklyn as the first suburb of New York City.
The Village of Brooklyn was officially incorporated under the laws and Constitution of the State of New York in 1816.
The first African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church is incorporated in Brooklyn by African-American seceders from The Sands Street Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church. The church affiliates with Bishop Richard Allen's new African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
The Casemate Fort, Whiting Quadrangle was designed in 1819 and constructed between 1825 and 1836. It is a significant historic building situated in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The ship Ohio (1820) was launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1820, with missions that included suppressing the slave trade off the coast of West Africa.
In 1823, the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library Association was established. Additionally, Fort Brooklyn was demolished between 1823 and 1825 after the British evacuation for urban development.
The State of New York opens the Erie Canal, providing New York City and Brooklyn access to Midwestern commodities. This development establishes New York City as a leading trading and manufacturing center, leading to significant population growth in Brooklyn.
The construction of James Street Market took place in 1827, serving as a significant market hub in Brooklyn during that period.
The New Utrecht Reformed Church, the fourth oldest church in Brooklyn, was established in 1828. The current church building, constructed in 1828, utilized stones from the original church built in 1700.
In 1829, the Coney Island House was opened, becoming a notable establishment in the area during that period.
The First Unitarian Congregational Society was established in Brooklyn, designed by architect Minard Lafever, which marked the beginning of the Gothic Revival style of architecture in the area.
In 1834, the City of Brooklyn was officially incorporated, marking a significant milestone in the history of the area.
Jonathan Trotter became the second Mayor of Brooklyn, serving from 1835 to 1836.
The 9-gun, side-wheel steamer USS Fulton (Fulton II) was launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1837, becoming the first U.S. Navy steam-powered warship assigned to sea duty.
In 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery was established, becoming an important landmark in Brooklyn's history and culture.
The year 1839 saw the adoption of Brooklyn's city plan and the mapping of its street grid, shaping the urban development of the area.
In 1840, the John Rankin House in Brooklyn, New York, was designated as a New York City landmark. It showcases Greek Revival architecture and was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In October 1841, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper began its publication, which continued until 1955. It had subsequent revivals in 1962–1963 and after 1996 under different ownership.
Joseph Sprague, a New York emigrant and prominent figure in Brooklyn, is elected as the Mayor of the City of Brooklyn. He played a significant role in the incorporation of Brooklyn as a city in 1833.
James Frothingham, an accomplished painter, settles in Brooklyn and becomes the semi-official portraitist of the City's Mayors. His portraits of prominent figures like Joseph Sprague and Francis B. Stryker are displayed in Borough Hall.
Walt Whitman, editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, starts advocating for the creation of a park and crypt to honor those who perished aboard British prison ships during the Revolutionary War. This initiative leads to the establishment of Fort Greene Park.
Henry Ward Beecher, son of Presbyterian minister Lyman Beecher, becomes the minister of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights. He will advocate for the abolition of slavery, preach to presidential candidate Lincoln, and face a lawsuit brought by his vestryman.
Brooklyn Borough Hall is constructed in the Greek Revival style in 1848, serving as a significant governmental building.
In 1851, the Truesdells move into a house on 227 Duffield Street in Brooklyn. The house is suspected to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves heading to Canada.
The eastern section of the Town of Flatbush seceded and became the Town of New Lots in 1852, marking the only municipal change seen in Kings County during that period.
Edward A. Lambert was elected as the Mayor of Brooklyn from 1853 to 1854, playing a significant role in the governance and administration of the borough during his term.
Jenny Jerome, future mother of Winston Churchill, is born in Brooklyn. She will later marry Lord Randolph Churchill in 1874.
Walt Whitman publishes the first edition of Leaves of Grass in Brooklyn. The copyright is dated 15 May.
The East River is bridged by ice between Brooklyn and New York City. This event foreshadows the future construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Naval Surgeon E. R. Squibb initiated his pharmaceutical company outside the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1857, supplying a significant portion of medical resources for the Union Army during the Civil War.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard-built USS Niagara and the British Royal Navy's HMS Agamemnon met mid-ocean to make the first attempt to lay the Transatlantic telegraph cable, which unfortunately broke down.
Brooklyn had its own Academy of Music established in 1859, showcasing its cultural significance and development during the 19th century.
On February 3, 1860, an explosion occurs at Ames & Moulton’s Hat Factory in Brooklyn, New York. The incident has historical significance in the industrial development of Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music was inaugurated in 1861 and presented its first performance.
Continental Iron Works was established in 1862 on the East River waterfront in Brooklyn. It gained recognition for building the revolutionary naval iron-clad warship USS Monitor.
From July 13-16, 1863, draft riots erupted in New York City and Brooklyn, led by working-class Irish and German immigrants opposing the new Civil War draft law, resulting in violence, looting, and targeting of 'colored' citizens and their institutions.
The Bath and Coney Island Railroad, also known as the West End Line, commenced passenger service between Fifth Avenue at 36th Street in Brooklyn and the village of Bath Beach in the Town of Gravesend. This marked the beginning of Brooklyn's oldest city or suburban rail line, leading to the development of streetcar suburbs over the next few decades.
In 1864, the Brooklyn Long Island Sanitary Fair was held at the new Brooklyn Academy of Music to raise money for the wives and children of soldiers, showcasing the community's support during the Civil War.
Abraham & Wechsler, which later transformed into Abraham & Straus and eventually Macy's in 2005, was established in downtown Brooklyn. The founder, Abraham Abraham, a German Jewish immigrant, played a significant role in the development of Brooklyn, including funding the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital.
Olmstead, Vaux, and Company were commissioned to convert 585 acres of Brooklyn into Prospect Park. The park, officially opened in 1867 but under construction for several more years, quickly became popular among visitors.
Prospect Park, a 585-acre park in Brooklyn, was designed by renowned architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1867, offering a green oasis for the city.
In 1869, Thomas Adams founded the worldwide chewing gum industry in Brooklyn using chicle gum. The company's first products were sold in drugstores for a penny each, and later introduced popular flavors like Tutti-Frutti and Chiclets.
In 1870, St. John's College opened and the population of the city of Brooklyn was recorded as 396,099 in the 1870 United States Census.
On February 13, 1871, an East River ice bridge allowed thousands to walk between Brooklyn and New York. This rare event provided a temporary connection between the two cities before their eventual merger.
On December 22, 1871, the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, introducing spirituals to the concert repertory. Their performance was a sensation, showcasing songs like 'Steal Away to Jesus' and 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'.
On July 16, 1872, East New York voted for annexation to Brooklyn by a significant margin of 3 to 1. This decision marked a significant development in the expansion of Brooklyn.
On July 26, 1873, the Mercantile Library opened its new building on Montague St, eventually becoming the Brooklyn Public Library. This institution played a crucial role in providing access to knowledge and education in Brooklyn.
In 1874, Prospect Park in Brooklyn was completed. It was a significant achievement for the city, providing a large green space for its residents to enjoy.
The construction of the Brighton Beach Line in 1878 signaled the end of isolation for the peripheral towns of Kings County, connecting them to urban centers.
In 1879, the renowned printmaking firm Currier and Ives depicted the City of Brooklyn in one of their artworks, showcasing the city's landmarks and beauty.
By the year 1880, Brooklyn had grown to become the fourth largest city in the United States. This growth signified the city's increasing population and economic importance.
In 1881, The Brooklyn Historical Society opened a new building on Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights, which is still its home today.
Buffalo Bill Cody and Arizona John Burke plan a Wild West Show called Old Glory Blowout in Brooklyn, which will be produced in North Platte, Nebraska on July 4, 1882, marking the first of Buffalo Bill's internationally celebrated Wild West Shows.
The new Brooklyn baseball club, the Grays, headquartered in the Old Stone House at Gowanus, inaugurates Washington Baseball Park in Brooklyn, beating Trenton 13-6. The club plays in the Inter-State Association and will become Interstate Champions this year.
The Brooklyn Bridge, spanning the lower East River from New York's Manhattan Island to Brooklyn Heights, officially opens to the public.
Famous author Mark Twain and George W. Cable captivate audiences with readings and storytelling at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The Brooklyn Elevated Railroad starts its services, enhancing transportation in the area.
The Town of New Lots was annexed to Brooklyn in 1886, expanding the territory of Brooklyn.
St. George's Protestant Episcopal Church is constructed in the Gothic Revival style in 1887, becoming a notable architectural landmark in Brooklyn.
Elliott Buckmaster, a military figure who served as a U.S. Navy officer and naval aviator during World War I and World War II, was born in Brooklyn in 1889.
According to the 1890 United States Census, Brooklyn's population stood at 838,547, making it the fourth largest city in America at that time.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch was dedicated to honor the veterans and casualties of the Civil War, with a significant contribution from the people and resources of Brooklyn.
Mae West, a prominent burlesque, vaudeville, and motion pictures star of the 20th Century, was born in Brooklyn. She was an American actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter, and sex symbol with a career spanning seven decades.
On September 24, 1894, Thomas Edison filmed various scenes including Sioux Ghost Dance, Indian War Council, and Buffalo Bill performances in his mobile studio, the Black Maria, in Brooklyn.
On June 15, 1895, the Ocean Parkway Bicycle Path, the first separated bike path in the U.S., was opened in Brooklyn, leading to a 10,000-person bicycle parade.
In February 1896, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT) took over the bankrupt Long Island Traction Company, marking a significant development in Brooklyn's transportation history.
The Brooklyn Museum opened its doors in 1897 as New York City's second-largest public art museum, housing over 1.5 million objects ranging from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art.
On January 1, 1898, Brooklyn was consolidated and annexed, along with other areas, to form the current five-borough structure of New York City.
Walter Berndt, a cartoonist known for his long-run comic strip, Smitty, was born in Brooklyn on November 22, 1899.
17 barbers are arrested in Brooklyn for violating 'blue laws' favored by New England Protestants which prohibited certain activities on Sundays.
A dozen skeletons unearthed in Brooklyn Navy Yard are believed to be the bodies of dead American prisoners of war thrown overboard from British prison ships during the American Revolution.
Adelaide Hall, a jazz singer, songwriter, and actress, was born in Brooklyn in 1901. She became a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance of African-American artistic performances.
The Ditmas Park Historic District is a national historic district in the Ditmas Park area of Brooklyn, consisting of 172 residential buildings constructed between 1902 and 1914. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The Williamsburg Bridge, the second major span across the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, was opened in 1903. It was constructed using revolutionary steel I-beams technology.
Dreamland, another iconic amusement park in Coney Island, begins operations in 1904, adding to the vibrant entertainment scene of the area.
In 1905, the pioneering movie company, Edison Vitagraph, relocates its studios from New York City to the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded by Albert E. Smith and J. Stuart Blackton, Vitagraph will gain prominence the following year with various films, including The Battle of Manila Bay and The Humpty-Dumpty Circus.
In 1908, the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) subway system extends its service to Brooklyn through the Joralemon Street tunnel, enhancing transportation between the two boroughs.
The Manhattan Bridge, a vital link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, is officially opened in 1909, providing another transportation route across the East River.
Charles Hercules Ebbets breaks ground in Flatbush, BROOKLYN for a new 18,000-seat ball park for the BROOKLYN Base Ball Club, later named Ebbets Field.
BROOKLYN Superbas (Dodgers) beat New York Highlanders in an exhibition game to open Ebbets Field in Flatbush, BROOKLYN.
On October 16, 1916, Margaret Sanger, born in Corning, NY, opened the first-ever U.S. birth control clinic in Brooklyn. Despite facing legal challenges and arrests, Sanger continued her work advocating for women's reproductive rights.
On November 1, 1918, the Malbone Street tunnel subway disaster occurred in Brooklyn, resulting in the greatest single subway tragedy. The crash led to significant casualties and injuries, prompting safety improvements in the city's transportation infrastructure.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal is built in 1919, serving as a key military facility and logistical hub.
On May 1, 1920, the Brooklyn Superbas played a historic baseball game against the Boston Braves, resulting in a 1-1 tie after 26 innings. The game, lasting nearly 4 hours, set a major league record for the longest game played at that time.
Magen David Synagogue, a Sephardic Jewish synagogue, was established in Brooklyn in 1921.
Brooklyn Tech, a prominent high school in Brooklyn, opened its doors in 1922.
Buddy Hackett, born Leonard Hacker, was an American comedian and actor known for his work in motion pictures, television, and live acts. He was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to a Jewish upholsterer.
In 1925, horror fantasy writer H. P. Lovecraft moves into a one-room apartment at 169 Clinton Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where he will write 'The Horror at Red Hook' for Weird Tales magazine in August.
Mel Brooks, the actor, director, producer, and live stage comedian, was born in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. He is known for his work in film as an actor, comedian, film director, film producer, and screenwriter.
Jerry Stiller, the comedian and actor, was born on June 8, 1927, in Brooklyn.
The historic wooden roller coaster, Coney Island Cyclone, opened on June 26, 1927, in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn. It faced the Atlantic Ocean resort beaches and cost $175,000.
Jewish Center of Kings Highway, a historic synagogue in Flatbush, was founded in 1928.
The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower was constructed in 1929 and became the tallest office building in Brooklyn at the time. It is located at Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues.
In 1930, Brooklyn became the most populous borough in New York City with a population of 2,560,401.
Television talk-show host and interviewer Larry King was born in Brooklyn in 1933.
Woody Allen, originally named Allan Stewart Konigsberg, is an American multi-talented artist known for his work as a screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, author, playwright, and musician. He was born in Brooklyn in 1935.
Louis Gossett Jr., born on May 27, 1936, in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, is an actor known for his roles in various films and his lifelong support for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team.
In 1938, the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences merged with the Brooklyn Academy of Music, combining two cultural institutions to enhance arts and education in Brooklyn.
John Corigliano, a renowned composer who won an Academy Award, Pulitzer Prize for Music, and Grammy Award, was born in Midwood, Brooklyn.
An event of importance took place in Brooklyn in 1941.
Tony Sirico, an actor known for his role as Peter Paul 'Paulie Walnuts' Gualtieri on The Sopranos, was born in Brooklyn.
In 1943, Betty Smith writes the novel 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn', which is set in the tenements of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, depicting the lives of Irish and Austrian German immigrants.
In 1944, the elevated railways were removed from the Brooklyn Bridge, improving transportation and aesthetics in the area.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers becomes the first African-American player in the Major Leagues since segregation, earning the title of Rookie of the Year.
In August 22, 1948, Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers made history by stealing home during a baseball game at Ebbets Field, breaking the Major League's color barrier and becoming a symbol of pride for Brooklynites.
In 1949, an event of importance occurred in Brooklyn.
In 1950, Brooklyn reaches its peak population of 2,738,175 residents, reflecting the borough's significant growth and urban development.
Tony Danza, the comedic actor in television, was born in Brooklyn on April 21, 1951, contributing to the entertainment industry.
An event of significance occurred in Brooklyn in 1952.
In 1953, a notable event took place in Brooklyn.
Jerry Seinfeld, the American comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer known for his famous show Seinfeld, is born in Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Eagle daily newspaper, which had been in publication in the borough since 1841, ceases its operations after 114 years due to a labor strike.
An explosion occurs at the Bush Terminal in Sunset Park in 1956.
The Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team and franchise in the National League of major league baseball departs for Los Angeles in 1957.
The Brooklyn Dodgers, a professional baseball team, relocate to Los Angeles in 1958.
Vincent D'Onofrio, the actor, director, film producer, writer, and singer, is born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on June 30, 1959.
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a major highway in New York City, is finished after 25 years of construction in 1960.
Charlie Murphy, the actor, comedian, and writer known for his work with his younger brother Eddie Murphy, is born in Brooklyn in 1961.
The revised New York City Charter in 1963 established community boards within each borough, including Brooklyn, to give local residents a voice in municipal government.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge opened on November 21, 1964, connecting Brooklyn to Staten Island and providing easier access to suburban-style living for Italian-American Brooklynites.
In January 1965, the Brooklyn Heights Historic District was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, highlighting its architectural and historical significance.
After a period of economic decline, the Brooklyn Navy Yard ceases operations in 1966.
In 1969, the West Indian/American Day Carnival parades took place along Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway for the first time, after being held in Harlem for many years.
In 1970, the Brooklyn Army Terminal, a military ocean-supply facility, was deactivated.
Shirley Chisholm, a Congresswoman from Brooklyn, becomes the second woman and the first African-American woman to run for the presidential nomination of a major party in the United States. She will win 152 Democratic Convention delegates before withdrawing from the race.
The Red Hook Food Vendors set up their businesses in 1974, offering diverse culinary options.
The movie Dog Day Afternoon, starring Al Pacino and set in Brooklyn, was released in 1975. The film gained critical acclaim and is considered a classic.
In 1976, the final breweries in Brooklyn shut down, marking the end of an era for local beer production.
In July 1977, a New York City-wide power outage led to rioting, arson, and looting, causing widespread damage, particularly affecting the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The Ditmas Park Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, recognizing its architectural significance.
Frederick Richmond, who represented Brooklyn in the U.S. House of Representatives, resigns before completing his 4th term due to pleading guilty to various charges including tax evasion and possession of cannabis.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The Clinton Hill Historic District, comprising 1,063 contributing residential buildings, was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
"No Sleep till Brooklyn," a song by Beastie Boys and the sixth single on their debut album Licensed to Ill, was recorded in 1986 and released the following year.
The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association is established in 1987 to support the growing Chinese immigrant community in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
651 ARTS is established in Brooklyn, focusing on developing and presenting performing arts rooted in the African Diaspora.
Spike Lee's film 'Do the Right Thing' portrays racial tensions and violence in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, reflecting societal issues of the time.
In 1990, Brooklyn maintained its status as the most populous borough in New York City with a population of 2,300,664, making it equivalent to the fourth-largest city in the nation after New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
In 1992, the mayor's office focuses on revitalizing Brooklyn's waterfront area, aiming to enhance the economic and social aspects of the region.
The Baptist Temple in Brooklyn, New York, constructed in the Romanesque Revival style in 1893–1894 and rebuilt after a fire in 1917–1918, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Brooklyn Brewery establishes its permanent location in Williamsburg in 1996, contributing to the resurgence of brewing culture in Brooklyn.
The Carey Playhouse was transformed into the four-screen Brooklyn Academy of Music Rose Cinemas, home to BAMcinématek, showcasing repertory, independent, and foreign films in 1998.
Diner opens in Williamsburg in 1999, playing a key role in introducing the farm-to-table movement to Brooklyn's culinary scene.
The DUMBO Industrial District, containing some of the earliest large-scale reinforced concrete factory buildings in America, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Baseball returns to Brooklyn with the first game of the Brooklyn Cyclones in Coney Island, marking the end of a long absence since the departure of the Dodgers in 1957.
The movie Deuces Wild, set in 1958, was filmed in Brooklyn in 2002 with Martin Scorsese serving as the executive producer, capturing the essence of the era.
Williamsburg Houses were designated as a New York City Landmark in 2003, recognizing their architectural and historical significance in the urban landscape of Brooklyn.
In 2004, Steiner Studios opened at the site of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, becoming the largest and most advanced studio complex outside of Hollywood, providing top-notch facilities for film and television production.
The Brooklyn Book Festival debuts in 2005, celebrating literature and authors within the vibrant cultural landscape of Brooklyn.
7-year-old Nixzmary Brown tragically passed away after being physically abused by her stepfather, Cesar Rodriguez, in their Brooklyn residence. Rodriguez was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter in March 2008.
On October 8, 2006, Michael Sandy, a 29-year-old man, was hit by a car on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn after being beaten by a group of white attackers. He succumbed to his injuries on October 13, 2006. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and has similarities to the killing of Michael Griffith in 1986.
On May 26, 2007, East River State Park in Brooklyn was opened to the public, providing a new recreational space along the waterfront.
The body of 16-year-old Chanel Petro-Nixon was found in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn four days after she vanished.
On November 27, 2007, Steiner Studios hosted the 17th annual Gotham Awards, showcasing excellence in independent filmmaking.
In April 2008, the Brooklyn Flea market opened, providing a platform for local vendors to showcase their goods and attracting visitors looking for unique items.
In 2009, the Brooklyn Academy of Music initiated The Bridge Project in collaboration with London's Old Vic and Neal Street Productions, presenting acclaimed productions of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard and Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale directed by Sam Mendes.
In 2010, the U.S. Census revealed that Brooklyn's population had reached 2,504,700, which was 486,344 more than its peak population in 1920. The census also highlighted the diverse demographics of Brooklyn, with Latino, African-American, Asian, and Native American residents making up 76.4% of the total population.
On June 24, 2011, same-sex marriages were legalized in New York, with the authorization to take place starting 30 days later. This event marked a significant step towards LGBTQ rights and equality.
The Weir Greenhouse was acquired by the Green-Wood Cemetery in February 2012 with plans to preserve and restore the deteriorating elements.
On March 9, 2013, 16-year-old Kimani Gray was fatally shot by undercover New York police officers in Brooklyn, sparking outrage and protests.
A vigil for Kimani Gray on March 11, 2013, in Flatbush, Brooklyn, escalated into a riot, reflecting the community's anger and frustration over his death.
Renowned saxophone player Fred Ho gave his last performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on October 11–12, 2013, after being honored with the Harvard Arts Medal in 2009.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard was officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2014.
The new Thunderbolt roller coaster was unveiled at Coney Island in June 2014, offering an exciting attraction for visitors.
In January 2015, parts of the movie 'Brooklyn' were filmed in Coney Island, adding to the area's cinematic history.
In March 2016, William Bryk, a former Brooklyn resident, moved to New England where he eventually won an election for Trustee of the Antrim Town Library. Bryk's relocation marked a shift in his political endeavors and geographic focus.
In 2017, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, an ecoluxury hotel, opens in Brooklyn Bridge Park, contributing to the area's hospitality and tourism sector.
The Brooklyn Liberation March, held on June 14, 2020, was the largest transgender-rights demonstration in LGBTQ history. Focused on supporting Black transgender lives, it drew an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 participants, showcasing unity and advocacy.
On January 1, 2022, Antonio Reynoso assumed office as the 20th Brooklyn Borough President. His election marked a significant moment in Brooklyn's political history.
Carl Erskine, a former pitcher for the Dodgers and the last surviving member of the 'Boys of Summer' team, passed away at the age of 97.
Trump's lawyers claim Stormy Daniels refused a subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, with the papers allegedly left at her feet.
Paul Auster, a prolific man of letters and filmmaker, passes away at the age of 77.
The FBI is actively countering the threat posed by China and Iran hunting for dissidents in the US.
Oprah Winfrey selects Colm Tóibín’s 'Long Island' as her new book club pick, which is a sequel to 'Brooklyn'.