Brooklyn Heights in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

History in the Park

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2021

1. History in the Park Marker

Inscription. Before New York State abolished slavery in 1827, this area was home to Brooklyn's free black community. Peter and Benjamin Croger were among Brooklyn's first abolitionists and advocates for African-American civil rights. Residents established Brooklyn's first black church, an "African School," and a benevolent society.

Erected by Brooklyn Bridge Park; Brooklyn Historical Society. (Marker Number 6.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 40° 42.183′ N, 73° 59.676′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Brooklyn Heights. It is at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street, on the right when traveling west on Old Fulton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Water St, Brooklyn NY 11201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brooklyn City Railroad Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Brookland Ferry Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Street Pier (within shouting distance of this marker); The Builders of the Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); No. 1 Front Street Conversion (about 400 feet away); 1883 New York Harbor (about 400 feet away); Manhattan North of the Bridge to Canal Street (about 400 feet away); Eagle Warehouse (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2021

2. History in the Park Marker

Photographed by Jack DePalma, March 26, 2026

3. History in the Park Marker

Photographed by Jack DePalma, March 26, 2026

4. History in the Park Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,612 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on March 27, 2026, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York.