Williamsburg, Then and Now
+ 5 Top Spots
What do Vandberbilt, Whitney, and Fisk have in common (other than industrialist fame)? They were attracted nearly 200 years ago to an enclave on the East River known as Williamsburgh (yes, with an h).
Originally settled in 1638, the area was called “Boswijck” in 1661 by the Dutch (who purchased land from the “Canarsee” indians), “Bushwick” in 1664 when the English took over, and “Bushwick Shore” during Colonial times.
Envisioning a commuter “suburbia” in the 1790s, Richard M. Woodhull purchased 13 acres, named Williamsburgh for its surveyor, Colonel Williams, established a ferry to Manhattan, opened a tavern, and... quickly went bankrupt.
Subsequent development met the same fate until a turnpike and industrial plants made it a manufacturing mecca by 1855, when the village was consolidated into Brooklyn—and around this time inexplicably lost its “h.”
Williamsburg has hosted diverse ethnic influxes throughout its history; most notably, LES emigres who crossed the Williamsburg Bridge when it opened in 1903, displacing the swanky remnants of Vanderbilt & Co.
Over the last 20 years, the light-filled lofts and low rents of abandoned factories have drawn a new round of settlers. As you might have heard, these artistic denizens are now known affectionately—or sometimes not— as “hipsters”. In the midst of a real-estate boom, this hipster heaven has been called “the epicenter of Brooklyn as a fashionable, worldwide brand.”
Not only are Williamsburg’s quaint, restaurant-lined streets experiencing a foodie revolution, they offer one of New York’s best bar scenes, replete with thriving indie music venues. Substantial shopping and ample transit options round out why Williamsburg is hailed as New York City’s hottest ‘hood.
5 Williamsburg Musts
From Williamsburg’s bazaars to bars, here are a few of our Must-Dos.
1. Don’t miss the Williamsburg Waterfront. Smorgasburg vendors fulfill foodie dreams every Saturday, while The Brooklyn Flea artisans take up residence on Sundays. (Weekends, Apr. through Nov.)
2. Find a treasure at Artists and Fleas. Open year-round on the weekends, this is the place to comb through valleys of vintage finds.
3. Check out the Brooklyn Art Library. Unlike any other public library, BAL’s Sketchbook project catalogs more than 5,000 notepads filled by artists from around the world.
4. Down a brew at the Brooklyn Brewery. Explore the Northside’s once “intimidating stretch of old warehouses and rough streets,” then head to the tasting room for a tour and a pour.
5. End your day on North Sixth Street. What makes Williamsburg distinct is its display of the city’s hottest nightspots. Experience the flamboyant decor at the Thai restaurant SEA and the shabby warehouse atmosphere at the live music venue Black Bear Bar (formerly home to Public Assembly).
Originally settled in 1638, the area was called “Boswijck” in 1661 by the Dutch (who purchased land from the “Canarsee” indians), “Bushwick” in 1664 when the English took over, and “Bushwick Shore” during Colonial times.
Envisioning a commuter “suburbia” in the 1790s, Richard M. Woodhull purchased 13 acres, named Williamsburgh for its surveyor, Colonel Williams, established a ferry to Manhattan, opened a tavern, and... quickly went bankrupt.
Subsequent development met the same fate until a turnpike and industrial plants made it a manufacturing mecca by 1855, when the village was consolidated into Brooklyn—and around this time inexplicably lost its “h.”
Williamsburg has hosted diverse ethnic influxes throughout its history; most notably, LES emigres who crossed the Williamsburg Bridge when it opened in 1903, displacing the swanky remnants of Vanderbilt & Co.
Over the last 20 years, the light-filled lofts and low rents of abandoned factories have drawn a new round of settlers. As you might have heard, these artistic denizens are now known affectionately—or sometimes not— as “hipsters”. In the midst of a real-estate boom, this hipster heaven has been called “the epicenter of Brooklyn as a fashionable, worldwide brand.”
Not only are Williamsburg’s quaint, restaurant-lined streets experiencing a foodie revolution, they offer one of New York’s best bar scenes, replete with thriving indie music venues. Substantial shopping and ample transit options round out why Williamsburg is hailed as New York City’s hottest ‘hood.
5 Williamsburg Musts
From Williamsburg’s bazaars to bars, here are a few of our Must-Dos.
1. Don’t miss the Williamsburg Waterfront. Smorgasburg vendors fulfill foodie dreams every Saturday, while The Brooklyn Flea artisans take up residence on Sundays. (Weekends, Apr. through Nov.)
2. Find a treasure at Artists and Fleas. Open year-round on the weekends, this is the place to comb through valleys of vintage finds.
3. Check out the Brooklyn Art Library. Unlike any other public library, BAL’s Sketchbook project catalogs more than 5,000 notepads filled by artists from around the world.
4. Down a brew at the Brooklyn Brewery. Explore the Northside’s once “intimidating stretch of old warehouses and rough streets,” then head to the tasting room for a tour and a pour.
5. End your day on North Sixth Street. What makes Williamsburg distinct is its display of the city’s hottest nightspots. Experience the flamboyant decor at the Thai restaurant SEA and the shabby warehouse atmosphere at the live music venue Black Bear Bar (formerly home to Public Assembly).