What is Brooklyn's official designation within New York City and New York State?

Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City and is coextensive with Kings County in the U.S. state of New York. This means that the geographical boundaries of Brooklyn as a borough are identical to those of Kings County.

What is the origin of the name 'Brooklyn' and its county name, 'Kings County'?

The name 'Brooklyn' is derived from the Dutch town of Breukelen in the Netherlands. The county's name, Kings County, was named after King Charles II of England, who reigned from 1660 to 1685.

What was the population of Brooklyn according to the 2020 United States census?

According to the 2020 United States census, Brooklyn's population was 2,736,074. This figure highlights its status as a major urban center.

How does Brooklyn rank in terms of population density among U.S. counties?

Brooklyn, as Kings County, is the second most densely populated county in the U.S. after Manhattan (New York County), with 37,339.9 inhabitants per square mile (14,417.0/km2) as of 2022.

What would Brooklyn's population rank be if it had remained an independent city?

Had Brooklyn remained an independent city on Long Island, it would now be the fourth most populous American city, ranking after the rest of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and ahead of Houston.

When was the American settlement of Breuckelen established, and when did its name first appear in print?

The American settlement of Breuckelen was established in 1646, and its name first appeared in print in 1663. This marks an early stage in the area's colonial history.

What is the meaning of the Dutch words 'broeck' and 'lede' from which the original town of Breukelen's name was derived?

The original Dutch name 'Broecklede' is made up of 'broeck,' meaning bog or marshland, and 'lede,' meaning a small, dug water stream, particularly found in peat areas. This suggests the geographical characteristics of the original Dutch settlement.

Name the six original parishes chartered by the Dutch West India Company in what would become Brooklyn, along with their later English names.

The six original parishes chartered by the Dutch West India Company, listed by their later English town names, were Gravesend, Brooklyn Heights (originally Breuckelen), Flatlands (originally Nieuw Amersfoort), Flatbush (originally Midwout), Nieuw Utrecht (named after Utrecht, Netherlands), and Bushwick (originally Boswijck).

What significant historical event led to present-day Brooklyn leaving Dutch hands, and what was the area renamed?

Present-day Brooklyn left Dutch hands after the English conquest of New Netherland in 1664, which sparked the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The English renamed the new capture for their naval commander, James, Duke of York, who was the brother of King Charles II and later became King James II.

When was Kings County officially partitioned, and what was its significance as a political entity?

Kings County was partitioned on November 1, 1683, from the West Riding of York Shire. It contained the six old Dutch towns on southwestern Long Island and was recognized as a political entity for the first time, laying the municipal groundwork for a later expansive idea of a Brooklyn identity.

What was a notable characteristic of Kings County's population during the colonial era regarding slavery?

During the colonial era, Kings County, an agricultural area, unusually came to have one of the highest percentages of slaves among the population in the 'Original Thirteen Colonies' along the Atlantic Ocean eastern coast of North America.

What was the significance of the Battle of Long Island, fought in Kings County on August 27, 1776?

The Battle of Long Island, also known as the 'Battle of Brooklyn,' was the first major engagement fought in the American Revolutionary War after independence was declared, and it was the largest battle of the entire conflict.

What famous quote is attributed to George Washington during the Battle of Long Island?

George Washington, observing the fierce fighting at Gowanus Creek and the Old Stone House, was reported to have emotionally exclaimed, 'What brave men I must this day lose!'

How is George Washington's tactical withdrawal after the Battle of Long Island viewed by historians today?

While Washington's defeat on the battlefield initially cast doubts on his command ability, the tactical withdrawal of all his troops and supplies across the East River in a single night is now considered by historians to be one of his most brilliant triumphs.

What role did British prison ships off the coast of Brooklyn play during the Revolutionary War?

The British established a system of prison ships off the coast of Brooklyn in Wallabout Bay, where more American prisoners of war died than were killed in action on all the battlefield engagements of the war combined.

When was the Village of Brooklyn incorporated, and what facilitated its growth as a commuter town?

The Village of Brooklyn was incorporated in 1816, directly across from Lower Manhattan. Its growth as a commuter town for Wall Street was greatly facilitated by reliable steam ferry service across the East River to Fulton Landing.

How did the City of Brooklyn expand in 1855, and what change occurred to the name of one of its subsumed areas?

In 1855, the City of Brooklyn expanded by subsuming the City of Williamsburg and its Bushwick hinterland. Subsequently, the 'h' was dropped from 'Williamsburgh', becoming 'Williamsburg'.

What was the role of *The Brooklyn Eagle* newspaper in shaping Brooklyn's identity?

*The Brooklyn Eagle*, which first appeared in 1841, played a significant role in developing a separate identity for Brooklynites over the next century. It became the most popular and highest circulation afternoon paper in America.

What major institutions did Brooklyn lose in the 1950s that had contributed to its distinct identity?

In the 1950s, Brooklyn lost two major institutions that had helped shape its identity: *The Brooklyn Eagle* newspaper, which closed in 1955 after a reporters' strike, and the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team, which moved to Los Angeles in 1957.

What was Brooklyn's stance on slavery during the American Civil War, and what monument commemorates an abolitionist?

Agitation against Southern slavery was stronger in Brooklyn than in New York, and under Republican leadership, the city was fervent in the Union cause during the Civil War. The Henry Ward Beecher Monument was built downtown to honor a famous local abolitionist.

What significant contribution did Brooklyn make to the Union's strength during the Civil War, particularly in shipbuilding?

As a seaport and manufacturing center, Brooklyn played a major role in supplying troops and materiel for the Union during the Civil War. Notably, the ironclad USS *Monitor* was built in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

How is Brooklyn referred to in Emma Lazarus's 1883 poem 'The New Colossus'?

In Emma Lazarus's 1883 poem 'The New Colossus,' which is inscribed on a plaque inside the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn is referred to as the 'twin city' of New York, with the poem describing New York Harbor as 'the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame'.

Who was James S. T. Stranahan, and what public works was he known for championing in South Brooklyn?

James S. T. Stranahan was a longtime civic leader in South Brooklyn, known (often derisively) as the 'Baron Haussmann of Brooklyn' for championing Prospect Park and other significant public works.

What was the 'Brewer's Row' in Bushwick during the late 19th century?

Toward the end of the 19th century, Bushwick, which was then a working-class, predominantly German district, established a considerable brewery industry. The 'Brewer's Row' was a 14-block area that encompassed 14 breweries operating in 1890.

What were some of the key reforms implemented by Seth Low during his tenure as Mayor of Brooklyn from 1882 to 1885?

During his time as mayor, Seth Low secured a degree of 'home rule' for the city, allowing him an unofficial veto over Brooklyn bills in the State Assembly. He also instituted educational reforms, including integrating schools, providing free textbooks, and implementing competitive examinations for teachers, and introduced a Civil Service Code to eliminate patronage jobs.

When did Brooklyn cease to have its own mayor, and what position was created in its place?

Brooklyn elected a mayor from 1834 until 1898, when it was consolidated into the City of Greater New York. Since 1898, Brooklyn has elected a Borough President instead of a separate mayor.

What was the public sentiment in Brooklyn regarding its merger into the City of Greater New York in 1898?

The loss of Brooklyn's separate identity as a city when it merged into the City of Greater New York in 1898 was met with consternation by some residents at the time, with many newspapers referring to the merger as the 'Great Mistake of 1898'.

What are Brooklyn's land and water areas, and how do they compare to other New York State counties?

Brooklyn has a total area of 97 square miles (250 km2), with 71 square miles (180 km2) being land (73%) and 26 square miles (67 km2) being water (27%). As Kings County, it is New York State's fourth-smallest county by land area and third-smallest by total area.

What type of climate does Brooklyn experience, and what factors influence it?

Under the Köppen climate classification, Brooklyn experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). This climate is influenced by partial shielding from the Appalachian Mountains and moderating effects from the Atlantic Ocean.

How has the racial composition of Brooklyn's white population changed from 1930 to 1990?

Brooklyn's white population, which was its most populous racial group, significantly declined from 97.2% in 1930 to 46.9% by 1990, indicating a major demographic shift over that period.

What is Brooklyn's official motto, and what does it mean?

Brooklyn's official motto, displayed on its borough seal and flag, is 'Eendraght Maackt Maght,' which translates from early modern Dutch as 'Unity makes strength.' This motto reflects a historical emphasis on collective power.

What is the approximate Jewish population in Brooklyn according to recent estimates, and in which neighborhoods are they concentrated?

According to the American Jewish Population Project in 2020, Brooklyn was home to over 480,000 Jews, while the UJA-Federation of New York estimated 462,000 in 2023. These communities, particularly Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, are concentrated in historically Jewish areas like Borough Park, Williamsburg, and Midwood.

Which neighborhoods in Brooklyn are known for their Chinese American communities, and what cultural nicknames have emerged?

Over 200,000 Chinese Americans live in southern Brooklyn, primarily in Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, and Homecrest. Sunset Park's Chinatown is also known as 'Fuzhou Town' or 'Little Fuzhou,' while the newer Chinatowns in Bensonhurst/Gravesend and Homecrest are called 'Brooklyn's Little Hong Kong/Guangdong' due to their predominantly Cantonese populations.

What is the significance of Brooklyn's West Indian community, and what major annual event do they host?

Brooklyn is home to the largest community of West Indians outside of the Caribbean, with Jamaicans, Guyanese, and Haitians being the largest groups. They host an annual Carnival, known as the West Indian Labor Day Parade, which takes place every Labor Day on Eastern Parkway.

How did the Hispanic population in Brooklyn diversify after the 1965 Hart-Cellar Act?

After the 1965 Hart-Cellar Act loosened immigration restrictions from elsewhere in Latin America, Brooklyn's Hispanic population diversified beyond its initial Puerto Rican migrants to include significant influxes of Dominicans, South Americans, Central Americans, and Mexicans.

Which Brooklyn neighborhoods are known for their Russian and Ukrainian American communities, and what cultural nicknames have they earned?

Brooklyn's Russian and Ukrainian American communities are mainly concentrated in Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay. Brighton Beach is particularly known for its Russian and Ukrainian businesses and has been nicknamed 'Little Russia' and 'Little Odessa'.

Where are Polish Americans historically concentrated in Brooklyn, and where do more recent immigrants tend to settle?

Polish inhabitants in Brooklyn are historically concentrated in Greenpoint, which is known as 'Little Poland.' More recent Polish immigrants are scattered throughout the southern parts of Brooklyn, often alongside the Russian and Ukrainian American communities.

What cultural traditions have persisted among Italian Americans in Brooklyn's older communities despite widespread migration?

Despite widespread migration to Staten Island and suburban areas, notable concentrations of Italian Americans remain in neighborhoods like Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, and Gravesend. Remnants of older communities in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens are often identified by the display of small Madonna statues, the retention of plastic-metal stoop awnings, and the use of Formstone in house cladding, alongside Italian restaurants, bakeries, and social clubs.

What cultural venues are highlighted as significant in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn hosts several significant cultural venues, including the world-renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Brooklyn Museum, which houses the second-largest public art collection in the United States.

What unique distinction does the Brooklyn Children's Museum hold?

The Brooklyn Children's Museum, which opened in December 1899, holds the distinction of being the world's first museum dedicated to children. It is also the only New York State institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums to have a permanent collection of over 30,000 cultural objects and natural history specimens.

What is the primary driver of Brooklyn's job market?

Brooklyn's job market is primarily driven by three main factors: the performance of the national and city economy, population flows, and the borough's position as a convenient back office for New York's businesses.

How has Brooklyn's economy shifted since 1975?

Since 1975, Brooklyn's economy has shifted from being manufacturing-based to service-based. In 2004, for example, 215,000 residents worked in services compared to 27,500 in manufacturing, though niche manufacturing still exists.

What was the historical significance of the Brooklyn Navy Yard?

Established as a shipbuilding facility in 1801, the Brooklyn Navy Yard was the largest employer in the borough at its peak during World War II, employing 70,000 people. Famous ships like the USS *Missouri* and USS *Maine* were built there, and the iron-sided Civil War vessel the USS *Monitor* was built in Greenpoint.

What are some of the major parks and attractions in Brooklyn?

Major parks and attractions in Brooklyn include the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Coney Island (with its Cyclone rollercoaster and Wonder Wheel), Floyd Bennett Field (a former municipal airport now part of the National Park System), Green-Wood Cemetery, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, New York Transit Museum, Prospect Park, and Fort Greene Park.

What is the significance of Prospect Park in Brooklyn?

Prospect Park is a 585-acre public park in central Brooklyn, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Manhattan's Central Park. It features a large meadow, a zoo, a boathouse that houses the first urban Audubon Center, a 60-acre lake, and a bandshell for concerts.

Which professional sports teams currently call Brooklyn home?

Brooklyn is home to the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA's New York Liberty, both of whom play their home games at the Barclays Center in Prospect Heights.

What historical innovations in baseball are attributed to Brooklyn teams during the 'Brooklyn era'?

During the 'Brooklyn era' of baseball, from the mid-1850s through the Civil War, many innovations occurred in or from Brooklyn, including the first fastball, first changeup, first batting average, first triple play, the first professional baseball player, the first enclosed ballpark (Union Grounds), the first scorecard, the first known African-American team, the first black championship game, the first road trip, the first gambling scandal, and the first eight pennant winners.

What was the historical significance of Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers?

In 1947, Jackie Robinson was hired by the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African-American player in Major League Baseball in the modern era, breaking the color barrier. In 1955, the Dodgers won their only World Series for Brooklyn against their rivals, the New York Yankees, an event met with widespread celebration.

How many City Council members represent Brooklyn, and what is the structure of its borough government?

Brooklyn has 16 City Council members, which is the largest number of any of the five boroughs. The Brooklyn Borough Government includes a borough government president, a court, a library, a borough government board, a head of borough government, a deputy head of borough government, and a deputy borough government president.

What is the general political leaning of Kings County in U.S. presidential elections?

Kings County (Brooklyn) has not voted for a Republican in a national U.S. presidential election since Calvin Coolidge in 1924, consistently favoring Democratic candidates by significant margins in recent elections.

Brooklyn Wiki: Brooklyn Unveiled: A Scholarly Exploration of New York's Dynamic Borough

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Brooklyn's Essence

A Distinctive Borough

Brooklyn, coextensive with Kings County, stands as the most populous of New York City's five boroughs. Situated at the western extremity of Long Island, it shares a land boundary with Queens and is connected to Manhattan by several iconic bridges and tunnels, notably the Brooklyn Bridge. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge links it to Staten Island.^[3]

Demographics and Density

As of the 2020 United States census, Brooklyn's population reached 2,736,074. With an estimated 2,617,631 residents in 2024, Kings County is the second most densely populated county in the U.S. (after Manhattan) and the most populous in New York State.^[3]^[4] If it were an independent city, Brooklyn would rank as the fourth most populous American city, surpassing Houston.^[10]

Motto and Identity

Brooklyn's official motto, prominently displayed on its borough seal and flag, is the early modern Dutch phrase "Eendraght Maeckt Maght", which translates to "Unity makes strength". This motto encapsulates the borough's enduring spirit and its historical roots.^[14] Despite its consolidation into New York City in 1898, Brooklyn has maintained a distinct cultural identity, characterized by its vibrant neighborhoods and diverse communities.^[12]

Historical Roots

Dutch Toponymy

The name "Brooklyn" originates from the Dutch town of Breukelen in the Netherlands. The earliest recorded mention of the Dutch settlement in the Netherlands dates back to a 953 charter by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, where it appeared as Broecklede. This term combines broeck, meaning "bog" or "marshland," and lede, referring to a small, dug water stream in peat areas.^[21]^[22]

Evolution of a Name

The American settlement of Breuckelen was established in 1646, with its name first appearing in print in 1663.^[23] Over two millennia, the Dutch town's name evolved through various forms, including Bracola, Broccke, Broikelen, and Breuckelen. Similarly, the New Amsterdam settlement saw numerous spelling variations, such as Breucklyn, Brucklyn, and Brookland, leading to debates about its precise etymology. However, the current name accurately reflects its original meaning.^[26]^[28]

Kings County Designation

The county's name, Kings County, was bestowed in honor of King Charles II of England, who reigned from 1660 to 1685. This designation reflects the period of English rule following the Dutch colonial era and the subsequent establishment of the Province of New York.^[32]

A Storied Past

Colonial Foundations

European settlement in Brooklyn commenced in the 17th century with the Dutch establishment of "Breuckelen" on Long Island's East River shore. This area was originally inhabited by the Lenape, an Algonquian-speaking American Indian tribe. The Dutch West India Company chartered six original parishes, which later became English towns:^[30]

Gravesend (1645): Settled by English Anabaptists.
Breuckelen (1646): The core settlement, later Brooklyn Heights.
Nieuw Amersfoort (1647): Later Flatlands.
Midwout (1652): Later Flatbush.
Nieuw Utrecht (1652): Named after Utrecht, Netherlands.
Boswijck (1661): Later Bushwick.

The region transitioned to English control in 1664, becoming part of the Province of New York. Kings County was formally partitioned in 1683, encompassing these six towns and laying the groundwork for Brooklyn's future identity.^[32] Notably, this agricultural county had one of the highest percentages of enslaved people among the Thirteen Colonies.^[33]

Revolutionary War Significance

On August 27, 1776, Kings County was the site of the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn. This was the first major engagement of the American Revolutionary War and the largest of the entire conflict. British forces compelled George Washington's Continental Army to retreat from strategic heights. Washington's subsequent tactical withdrawal of all troops and supplies across the East River in a single night is considered a brilliant military maneuver.^[34] The British maintained control of New York City for the remainder of the war, utilizing prison ships off Brooklyn's coast in Wallabout Bay, where more American prisoners died than in all battlefield engagements combined.

Post-Independence Urbanization

The 19th century marked significant urbanization along the East River. The Village of Brooklyn was incorporated in 1816, becoming a commuter town for Wall Street due to reliable ferry service. This village, along with the Town of Brooklyn, formed the initial City of Brooklyn in 1834. Industrial growth led to the incorporation of Williamsburgh (later Williamsburg) and its eventual subsumption into a greater City of Brooklyn by 1855.^[35] The Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper, established in 1841, played a crucial role in fostering a distinct Brooklynite identity. The city was a fervent supporter of the Union cause during the Civil War, contributing troops like the "14th Brooklyn Red Legged Devils" and manufacturing capabilities, including the ironclad USS Monitor.^[41]

Consolidation and Legacy

Referred to as the "twin city" of New York in Emma Lazarus's poem "The New Colossus," Brooklyn's ties to Manhattan strengthened with the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883. Despite opposition from some residents and the Daily Eagle, Brooklyn voted to merge with other surrounding counties to form the five-borough structure of New York City, effective January 1, 1898.^[47] This event, often dubbed the "Great Mistake of 1898" by contemporaries, saw Brooklyn lose its independent city status while Kings County retained its state county designation.^[48] The borough continued to grow, with trolley lines and rail links facilitating urban sprawl and the development of new neighborhoods and recreational areas like Coney Island.

Mayoral Leadership

Mayors of the City of Brooklyn (1834-1897)

Prior to its consolidation into Greater New York City in 1898, Brooklyn operated as an independent city with its own elected mayor. This table outlines the individuals who held this significant office, reflecting the political landscape of the era.^[46]

Mayor	Party	Start Year	End Year
George Hall	Democratic-Republican	1834	1834
Jonathan Trotter	Democratic	1835	1836
Jeremiah Johnson	Whig	1837	1838
Cyrus P. Smith	Whig	1839	1841
Henry C. Murphy	Democratic	1842	1842
Joseph Sprague	Democratic	1843	1844
Thomas G. Talmage	Democratic	1845	1845
Francis B. Stryker	Whig	1846	1848
Edward Copland	Whig	1849	1849
Samuel Smith	Democratic	1850	1850
Conklin Brush	Whig	1851	1852
Edward A. Lambert	Democratic	1853	1854
George Hall	Know Nothing	1855	1856
Samuel S. Powell	Democratic	1857	1860
Martin Kalbfleisch	Democratic	1861	1863
Alfred M. Wood	Republican	1864	1865
Samuel Booth	Republican	1866	1867
Martin Kalbfleisch	Democratic	1868	1871
Samuel S. Powell	Democratic	1872	1873
John W. Hunter	Democratic	1874	1875
Frederick A. Schroeder	Republican	1876	1877
James Howell	Democratic	1878	1881
Seth Low	Republican	1882	1885
Daniel D. Whitney	Democratic	1886	1887
Alfred C. Chapin	Democratic	1888	1891
David A. Boody	Democratic	1892	1893
Charles A. Schieren	Republican	1894	1895
Frederick W. Wurster	Republican	1896	1897

After 1898, Brooklyn elected a Borough President instead of a mayor, with Seth Low notably serving as the second mayor of the consolidated City of Greater New York (1902–1903) after his tenure as Brooklyn's mayor.^[46]

Geographical Landscape

Area and Borders

Brooklyn spans 97 square miles (250 km²), with approximately 71 square miles (180 km²) as land (73%) and 26 square miles (67 km²) as water (27%). This makes it the second-largest borough by land area in New York City. Kings County, coterminous with Brooklyn, is New York State's fourth-smallest county by land area and third-smallest by total area.^[9]

Waterways and Connections

The borough's extensive water borders include Jamaica Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and The Narrows, which separates Brooklyn from Staten Island and is spanned by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Upper New York Bay lies between Brooklyn and Jersey City/Bayonne in New Jersey. The East River, separating Brooklyn from Manhattan, is crossed by the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge, and numerous subway lines. To the east, Brooklyn borders Queens, with John F. Kennedy International Airport located just two miles from Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood.^[9]

Highest Elevation

The highest elevation point in Brooklyn is 220 feet (67 meters) above sea level.^[1] This relatively modest elevation contributes to the borough's generally flat topography, which has facilitated its urban development and extensive infrastructure.

Climate Profile

Humid Subtropical Climate

Brooklyn experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification. This is influenced by partial shielding from the Appalachian Mountains and the moderating effects of the Atlantic Ocean. The area receives substantial precipitation throughout the year, averaging nearly 50 inches (1,300 mm) annually.^[49]

Sunshine and Hardiness

Annually, Brooklyn averages 234 days with at least some sunshine, accumulating approximately 2,535 hours of sunshine, representing 57% of possible sunshine. The borough is situated in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, indicating its suitability for a range of plant species.^[50]^[51]

Climate Data for JFK Airport (1981–2010 Normals)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	71 (22)	71 (22)	85 (29)	90 (32)	99 (37)	99 (37)	104 (40)	101 (38)	98 (37)	90 (32)	77 (25)	75 (24)	104 (40)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	56.8 (13.8)	57.9 (14.4)	68.5 (20.3)	78.1 (25.6)	84.9 (29.4)	92.1 (33.4)	94.5 (34.7)	92.7 (33.7)	87.4 (30.8)	78.0 (25.6)	69.1 (20.6)	60.1 (15.6)	96.6 (35.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	39.1 (3.9)	41.8 (5.4)	49.0 (9.4)	59.0 (15.0)	68.5 (20.3)	78.0 (25.6)	83.2 (28.4)	81.9 (27.7)	75.3 (24.1)	64.5 (18.1)	54.3 (12.4)	44.0 (6.7)	61.6 (16.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	26.3 (−3.2)	28.1 (−2.2)	34.2 (1.2)	43.5 (6.4)	52.8 (11.6)	62.8 (17.1)	68.5 (20.3)	67.8 (19.9)	60.8 (16.0)	49.6 (9.8)	40.7 (4.8)	31.5 (−0.3)	47.3 (8.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	9.8 (−12.3)	13.4 (−10.3)	19.1 (−7.2)	32.6 (0.3)	42.6 (5.9)	52.7 (11.5)	60.7 (15.9)	58.6 (14.8)	49.2 (9.6)	37.6 (3.1)	27.4 (−2.6)	16.3 (−8.7)	7.5 (−13.6)
Record low °F (°C)	−2 (−19)	−2 (−19)	4 (−16)	20 (−7)	34 (1)	45 (7)	55 (13)	46 (8)	40 (4)	30 (−1)	19 (−7)	2 (−17)	−2 (−19)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	3.16 (80)	2.59 (66)	3.78 (96)	3.87 (98)	3.94 (100)	3.86 (98)	4.08 (104)	3.68 (93)	3.50 (89)	3.62 (92)	3.30 (84)	3.39 (86)	42.77 (1,086)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	6.3 (16)	8.3 (21)	3.5 (8.9)	0.8 (2.0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0.2 (0.51)	4.7 (12)	23.8 (60)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch)	10.5	9.6	11.0	11.4	11.5	10.7	9.4	8.7	8.1	8.5	9.4	10.6	119.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inch)	4.6	3.4	2.3	0.3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.2	2.8	13.6
Average relative humidity (%)	64.9	64.4	63.4	64.1	69.5	71.5	71.4	71.7	71.9	69.1	67.9	66.3	68.0

Source: NOAA (relative humidity 1961–1990)^[53]^[54]^[55]

Climate Data for Brooklyn (Avenue V)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	39.7 (4.3)	42.4 (5.8)	49.7 (9.8)	60.5 (15.8)	70.5 (21.4)	79.3 (26.3)	84.8 (29.3)	83.3 (28.5)	76.5 (24.7)	65.0 (18.3)	54.3 (12.4)	44.5 (6.9)	62.5 (16.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	27.5 (−2.5)	29.1 (−1.6)	35.2 (1.8)	44.8 (7.1)	54.4 (12.4)	64.0 (17.8)	70.3 (21.3)	68.9 (20.5)	62.4 (16.9)	51.2 (10.7)	41.4 (5.2)	33.2 (0.7)	48.5 (9.2)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	3.53 (90)	2.97 (75)	4.37 (111)	3.85 (98)	4.03 (102)	4.44 (113)	4.85 (123)	3.92 (100)	3.92 (100)	4.02 (102)	3.23 (82)	4.00 (102)	47.13 (1,197)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	6.5 (17)	8.5 (22)	4.4 (11)	0.6 (1.5)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0.2 (0.51)	4.3 (11)	24.5 (62)

Source: NOAA^[56]

Boroughscape Visualizations

Downtown Brooklyn Skyline

The Downtown Brooklyn skyline presents a striking urban panorama. From the vantage point of Lower Manhattan at sunset, one can observe the distinctive silhouettes of the Manhattan Bridge (positioned to the far left) and the Brooklyn Bridge (situated closer to the left). This view encapsulates the architectural grandeur and the intricate connectivity that defines New York City's urban fabric.

Gowanus Canal Perspective

A unique perspective of the Brooklyn skyline can be appreciated from the Gowanus Canal. This view highlights the interplay between industrial heritage and modern development, showcasing the borough's evolving landscape. The canal itself, a historic waterway, frames the urban vista, offering a distinct visual narrative of Brooklyn's character.

Neighborhood Enclaves

Dynamic Ethnic Composition

Brooklyn's neighborhoods are characterized by their dynamic ethnic composition, reflecting centuries of immigration and demographic shifts. For instance, Brownsville, once predominantly Jewish in the early to mid-20th century, has since the 1970s become majority African American. Similarly, Midwood transitioned from Irish to Jewish and is now gradually becoming a Pakistani enclave. The white population in Brooklyn declined significantly from 97.2% in 1930 to 46.9% by 1990.^[57] The borough also attracts residents from other major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Detroit, and San Francisco.^[58]

Religious Diversity

Reflecting New York City's role as a global crossroads, Brooklyn boasts a profoundly cosmopolitan atmosphere with robust demographic and cultural diversity. In 2010, 51.6% of the population identified as members of religious congregations. By 2014, Brooklyn hosted 914 religious organizations, ranking it among the top counties nationally for religious institutions.^[65]^[66] This rich tapestry of faiths contributes significantly to the borough's unique cultural landscape.

Iconic Rowhouses

Brooklyn's boroughscape is famously defined by its landmark 19th-century rowhouses, particularly evident in areas like the Greenpoint Historic District. These tree-lined streets showcase architectural styles such as the Federal Style, as seen in Brooklyn Heights, contributing to the borough's distinctive charm and historical character. Neighborhoods like Park Slope also feature prominent examples of these historic residential structures.

Cultural Mosaic

Jewish American Communities

Brooklyn is a significant global hub for Jewish culture, with over 600,000 Jews, particularly Orthodox and Hasidic communities, concentrated in neighborhoods such as Borough Park, Williamsburg, and Midwood. These areas are rich with yeshivas, synagogues, kosher restaurants, and Jewish businesses. Crown Heights is home to the Chabad world headquarters. Historically, areas like Kensington also housed substantial Conservative Jewish populations, with many facilities now serving the expanding Hasidic community. Jewish charities founded several Brooklyn hospitals, including Maimonides Medical Center.^[13]^[67]

Chinese American Communities

Over 200,000 Chinese Americans reside in southern Brooklyn, primarily in Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, and Homecrest. Brooklyn hosts the highest number of Chinatowns in New York City. Sunset Park's 8th Avenue is known as "Brooklyn's Chinatown," initially a Cantonese-speaking enclave that expanded significantly with Fuzhounese immigration, earning it the nicknames "Fuzhou Town" or "Little Fuzhou." Newer Chinatowns in Bensonhurst/Gravesend and Homecrest are predominantly Cantonese-populated, referred to as "Brooklyn's Little Hong Kong/Guangdong." These areas are vibrant with Chinese restaurants and cultural celebrations, including a popular Chinese New Year event.^[72]^[73]

Caribbean & African American Communities

Brooklyn's African American and Caribbean communities are widespread. The West Indian community, concentrated in Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, and Canarsie, is the largest outside the Caribbean. Major groups include Jamaicans, Guyanese, and Haitians, alongside immigrants from across the Caribbean. These neighborhoods are known for West Indian restaurants and bakeries, and Brooklyn hosts an annual Carnival and the DanceAfrica festival. Bedford-Stuyvesant has been a prominent African American community since the 1930s, with working-class communities persisting in Brownsville, East New York, and Coney Island amidst gentrification.^[74]^[75]

Hispanic American Communities

Following World War II, Puerto Rican migrants settled in waterfront industrial areas like Sunset Park, Red Hook, and Gowanus. The 1965 Hart-Cellar Act diversified the Hispanic population, leading to Bushwick emerging as a major hub for Hispanic Americans, including Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, South Americans, Central Americans, and Mexicans. Sunset Park also has a significant Hispanic population, with Mexicans now predominant alongside Chinese immigrants. While some postwar communities have diminished due to deindustrialization and gentrification, a Panamanian enclave thrives in Crown Heights.^[77]

Russian & Ukrainian American Communities

Brooklyn is home to substantial Russian and Ukrainian populations, primarily concentrated in Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay. Brighton Beach is affectionately known as "Little Russia" and "Little Odessa," a legacy of Soviet Jewish immigration in the 1970s. In recent years, the area has seen growth in non-Jewish Russian and Ukrainian communities, as well as Uzbek Americans who often speak Russian. Smaller concentrations are found in Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Homecrest, Coney Island, and Mill Basin.^[78]^[79]

Polish American Communities

Historically, Brooklyn's Polish inhabitants have been concentrated in Greenpoint, famously known as "Little Poland." Other long-standing Polish settlements exist in Borough Park and Sunset Park. More recent Polish immigrants are dispersed throughout the southern parts of Brooklyn, often alongside the Russian and Ukrainian American communities, contributing to the borough's rich European heritage.

Italian American Communities

Despite significant migration to Staten Island and suburban areas post-WWII, notable concentrations of Italian Americans remain in Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, and Gravesend. Remnants of older communities persist in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, identifiable by cultural markers such as Madonna statues, stoop awnings, and Formstone cladding. These neighborhoods continue to feature Italian restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, pizzerias, cafes, and social clubs, preserving a vibrant cultural presence.

Arab American & Muslim Communities

In the early 20th century, Lebanese and Syrian Christians settled around Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, an area that has since evolved into a Yemeni commercial district. More recent, predominantly Muslim Arab immigrants, particularly Egyptians and Lebanese, have moved into southwest Brooklyn, notably Bay Ridge. Here, Fifth and Third Avenues below 86th Street are lined with Middle Eastern restaurants, hookah lounges, halal grocers, Islamic shops, and mosques. Brighton Beach hosts a growing Pakistani American community, while Midwood features "Little Pakistan" along Coney Island Avenue, where Pakistani Independence Day is celebrated annually. Kensington is also an emerging Bangladeshi enclave.

Irish American Communities

Third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation Irish Americans are found throughout Brooklyn, with enduring concentrations in Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Marine Park, and Gerritsen Beach. Historical communities also existed in Vinegar Hill and other waterfront industrial neighborhoods. Many Irish Americans who remained in Brooklyn after the postwar suburban migration fostered close-knit, stable working-to-middle-class communities, often through employment in civil service (law enforcement, transportation, FDNY) and construction trades. Others assimilated into the professional-managerial class, sometimes shedding distinct cultural traditions while maintaining ties to the Catholic Church and other social activities.

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References

Notes Geographical and Historical, relating to the Town of Brooklyn, in Kings County on Long-Island.

The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge, Vol. III, (1847), London, Charles Knight, p. 852

Jacob Judd, "Policing the City of Brooklyn in the 1840s and 1850s", Journal of Long Island History (1966) (6)2 pp. 13â22.

Gerald Kurland, Seth Low: the Reformer in an Urban and Industrial Age (Twayne, 1971) pp 25â49.. online

[1]. Retrieved March 29, 2016.

Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1981 to 2010.

"African Americans", Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved March 1, 2008.

U.S. Census Bureau (2018). People Reporting Ancestry American Community Survey 1-year estimates. Retrieved from https://censusreporter.org

U.S. Census Bureau (2014-2018). Asian Alone by Selected Groups American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Retrieved from https://censusreporter.org

U.S. Census Bureau (2018). Hispanic or Latino Origin by Specific Origin American Community Survey 1-year estimates. Retrieved from https://censusreporter.org

Brooklyn. Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the Pratt Center for Community Development. Retrieved May 16, 2015.

nycsubway.orgâIND Second System 1929 Plan

Program for Action maps from thejoekorner.com

A full list of references for this article are available at the Brooklyn Wikipedia page

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This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional urban planning, historical research, demographic analysis, or any other specialized consultation. Always refer to official government sources, academic publications, and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries or project needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Brooklyn Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Brooklyn's Essence 🏙️

📍 A Distinctive Borough

📊 Demographics and Density

📜 Motto and Identity

Historical Roots 📜

🇳🇱 Dutch Toponymy

✍️ Evolution of a Name

👑 Kings County Designation

A Storied Past 🕰️

settlers Colonial Foundations

⚔️ Revolutionary War Significance

📈 Post-Independence Urbanization

🤝 Consolidation and Legacy

Mayoral Leadership 🏛️

🧑‍💼 Mayors of the City of Brooklyn (1834-1897)

Geographical Landscape 🗺️

📏 Area and Borders

🌊 Waterways and Connections

⛰️ Highest Elevation

Climate Profile ☀️

🌡️ Humid Subtropical Climate

🌞 Sunshine and Hardiness

📈 Climate Data for JFK Airport (1981–2010 Normals)

📍 Climate Data for Brooklyn (Avenue V)

Boroughscape Visualizations 🌆

🌃 Downtown Brooklyn Skyline

🌉 Gowanus Canal Perspective

Neighborhood Enclaves 🏘️

🔄 Dynamic Ethnic Composition

🙏 Religious Diversity

🏘️ Iconic Rowhouses

Cultural Mosaic 🌍

✡️ Jewish American Communities

🍜 Chinese American Communities

🎶 Caribbean & African American Communities

💃 Hispanic American Communities

🎭 Russian & Ukrainian American Communities

🏰 Polish American Communities

🍝 Italian American Communities

🕌 Arab American & Muslim Communities

🍀 Irish American Communities

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Brooklyn's Essence

A Distinctive Borough

Demographics and Density

Motto and Identity

Historical Roots

Dutch Toponymy

Evolution of a Name

Kings County Designation

A Storied Past

Colonial Foundations

Revolutionary War Significance

Post-Independence Urbanization

Consolidation and Legacy

Mayoral Leadership

Mayors of the City of Brooklyn (1834-1897)

Geographical Landscape

Area and Borders

Waterways and Connections

Highest Elevation

Climate Profile

Humid Subtropical Climate

Sunshine and Hardiness

Climate Data for JFK Airport (1981–2010 Normals)

Climate Data for Brooklyn (Avenue V)

Boroughscape Visualizations

Downtown Brooklyn Skyline

Gowanus Canal Perspective

Neighborhood Enclaves

Dynamic Ethnic Composition

Religious Diversity

Iconic Rowhouses

Cultural Mosaic

Jewish American Communities

Chinese American Communities

Caribbean & African American Communities

Hispanic American Communities

Russian & Ukrainian American Communities

Polish American Communities

Italian American Communities

Arab American & Muslim Communities

Irish American Communities

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice