|
| |
East River
Fulton Ferry & the Brooklyn Navy Yard
by John Coppola
Ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan began in 1642, and the Manhattan Terminal
was located between the current Piers 17 and 18 at the South Street Seaport. Robert
Fulton's first steam ferry was tested there in 1814, and continued operation throughout
the 19th century. In fact, Fulton Street is named after this famous inventor. Ferry
service was discontinued after 1924 because the openings of the Brooklyn Bridge, in 1884,
and the Manhattan Bridge, in 1909 obviated the need for the ferry.
After the tragic battle on Brooklyn Heights in August, 1776, the Marbleheaders
successfully evacuated and landed Washington's troops at this very site.
Almost directly across from the current South Street Seaport is Wallabout Bay.
During the American Revolution, the British kept their hulks here to imprison American
sailors and privateers. Many died from disease and starvation, and a memorial (still
standing on Column Island in Fort Greene) honors their sacrifice. In 1801, the
government purchased the property, and completed construction of the famous Brooklyn Navy
Yard in 1806.
Memorable ships were built in The Yard, including:USS MONITOR (first ironclad in the Civil
War), USS MAINE (whose sinking in Havana Harbor precipitated the Spanish American War),
USS ARIZONA (sunk at Pearl Harbor), and USS MISSOURI (aka, Big Mo, where the Japanese
surrendered, and which was the last active battleship). The Yard was closed in 1966.
So, when you sail by these areas-listen carefully, and imagine the sounds and fury which
surrounded these environs for over 400 years.
- March 2000
| |
|