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Gravesend - Brooklyn - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Gravesend. I will be returning in the near future for a dedicated tour of the neighborhood, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

In southwest Brooklyn, along the bay of the same name, is the neighborhood of Gravesend. To the northwest and north are Bath Beach and Bensonhurst. To the northeast and east are Midwood and Sheepshead Bay. While to the south is iconic and historic Coney Island.

Gravesend slideshow (Coming Soon):

The Neighborhood

Gravesend is a quiet, working class neighborhood along Brooklyn’s southwestern shoreline. Cutting through it are major arteries such as Stillwell Avenue and Kings Highway.

Gravesend is a neighborhood with a rich history and diverse population. Originally settled by the Dutch in the 17th century, Gravesend is home to several historic landmarks, including the Lady Moody House and Dr. William T. Bailey Residence. The neighborhood is also known for its thriving Chinese community, with bustling restaurants and markets along Avenue U. Despite its urban location, Gravesend is home to a number of green spaces, including Calvert Vaux Park and Marine Park. With its mix of old and new, Gravesend is a vibrant and growing neighborhood that offers a unique blend of cultures and experiences.

Gravesend, Brooklyn is named after the English town of Gravesend in Kent, England. The area was first settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century but was later taken over by the English and renamed in honor of the town in England. The name "Gravesend" is said to have originated from the Dutch word "s'Gravenzande," which means the "Count's Beach" or "the Count's sandpit." The town of Gravesend played an important part in the American Revolution as it was a strategic point of entry for the British. Today, Gravesend is a vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its historic landmarks, diverse culture, and popular restaurants and shops.

Gravesend is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally settled by the Dutch, it was incorporated as a town in 1645 and named after the English seaport of Gravesend in Kent. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Gravesend was a major industrial hub, known for its shipbuilding, brick-making, and oyster farming. In the early 20th century, the neighborhood began to change as new waves of immigrants, including Italians and Jews, arrived and rebuilt Gravesend's commercial and residential districts. Today, the neighborhood is still home to many historic sites, including the Old Gravesend Cemetery and the Lady Moody Historic District, and continues to be a vibrant and diverse community within Brooklyn.

Gravesend, Brooklyn is a neighborhood steeped in history, and this is evident in its major landmarks. One of the most prominent is the Lady Moody Triangle - a small traffic triangle that honors the area's founder, Lady Deborah Moody. Another significant landmark is the Gravesend Cemetery, where notable figures such as inventor Elias Howe and William H. Beard, a famed American painter, are interred. The Kings Highway Reformed Church, dating back to 1736, is also a significant landmark, with its impressive colonial architecture and rich history. And finally, the Quintard-Van Name House, built in the 1800s, is a well-preserved example of a Gravesend Dutch farmhouse. These landmarks are a testament to the rich heritage of Gravesend and serve as a reminder of the borough's storied past.

Gravesend, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, has been home to several well-known individuals. One of the most famous people from this area is William H. Levitt, the real estate developer who is regarded as the father of modern suburbia. He built Levittown, a planned community in Long Island, which became a symbol of post-war suburban development. Additionally, Larry David, the creator of the hit TV series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and co-creator of "Seinfeld," was born and raised in Gravesend. He frequently references his Brooklyn upbringing in his work, and his comedic style is heavily influenced by his experiences in the borough. Finally, Jean-Michel Basquiat, the renowned artist, lived in Gravesend for a brief period during his youth. His unique style of graffiti and street art propelled him to fame in the 1980s, and his works have been exhibited across the world.

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All photography provided by Samuel Walters