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January 22, 2004 22:33:19
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History of Brownsville
Named after Charles S. Brown, a mid-19th century real estate developer who built houses in the area. In 1885, developers purchased land and built tenements in the hope of enticing garment makers from Manhattan's lower east side to the area. The opening of the Fulton Street elevator line in 1889, prompted the development of two family dwellings most of which were small tenements with storefronts, many housing sweatshops and pushcarts. The area was devoid of sewers or paved streets. These poor conditions contributed to the labor movement's cause, reinforcing workers' needs for improved working conditions. The 1950s saw a sharp decline in area population. But by the 1980s, immigrants permeated the area, renewing it once again. Concerted revitalization efforts have resulted in the development of one and two family homes on what were once vacant lots.
Served by Community District 16
Zip Code: 11212
{ims to Fame:
The Brownsville Children's Library (581 Stone Avenue) was the first children's library established in the nation.
Margaret Sanger, proponent of women's rights, opened the nation's first birth control clinic in Brownsville in 1916.
Heavyweight fighters Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe both hail from Brownsville.
The beloved and zany, comedian-actor Danny Kaye is a Brownsville native.
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