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January 28, 2004 22:20:49
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History of Clinton Hill
In northwest Brooklyn was named after the family of New York's Governor De Witt Clinton. The area was originally farmland that was parceled and sold for development in the mid-19th century to prosperous merchants who had been forced out of Brooklyn Heights, prompting the creation of "Millionaire's Row" along Clinton Avenue. Charles Pratt, founder of Pratt Institute and, at that time, one of the area's most influential residents had five mansions erected on Clinton Avenue, one for himself and four others, bestowed as wedding gifts to his sons. Four of the Pratt mansions still stand today at 229, 232, 241 and 245 Clinton Avenue. By the late 1800s the area flourished. But the much-celebrated borough of Manhattan lured many of the wealthy, and the 1920s saw the desolation of many of these old residences. Many of the area brownstones that remained were restored in the 1970s. Today the area's charm remains in evidence, as does its history.
Served by Community District 2
Zip Code: 11206
Claims to Fame:
Among the many notable sites in the area are:
The Charles Millard Pratt Home (241 Clinton Ave), which is now the home of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn.
The Clinton Hill Historic District, designated as such in November 1981, is bounded by Myrtle, Vanderbilt, Putnam and Classon Avenues.
Steele Skinner House (200 Lafayette Avenue) built in the Greek Revival design.
Emmanuel Baptist Church (279 Lafayette Avenue)
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