It became New York's first landmark in 1963.
The public buildings of Brooklyn are numerous and many are elegant, historic structures. Brooklyn has been given the title of "The City of Churches- because it contains over seventy houses of Christian worship. Founded in 1677, the New Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church is one of the oldest surviving congregations in New York. Constructed in 1892, the Georgian-Gothic style church building is an important reminder of the town's earliest development. It was designated a New York City landmark in 1966.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard, located on the Wallabout Bay, is more than 5 miles long, contains four drydocks ranging in length from 326 to 700 feet, two huge steel shipways, and 6 big pontoons. It is here where during the American Revolution thousands of prisoners died aboard British prison ships. The Navy Yard was established by the government in 1801. For over more than 150 years, it was one of our nation's important military facilities. When it was closed in 1966, it was taken over by the City of New York and reopened as an industrial park. Today, the Brooklyn navy yard is a booming industrial complex spread along the 300 acre waterfront. It is home to more than 200 businesses of all sizes and types along with 3,000 employers. Construction is under way to create a major picture and television studio complex on 15 acres of the navy yard which will make it the premiere entertainment production center on the East Coast.
Brooklyn is also home to the historic district Cobble Hill. Spurred by its closeness to the South Ferry, its initial development began during the mid 19th Century. It is particularly known for its intricate brownstone rowhouses that still exist today. Bluestone sidewalks line the streets of this area and are one of the characteristics that make the neighborhood unique. This district is known for its high percentage of senior inhabitants.