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

One of the First Free Public Schools in America

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 8, 2024

1. One of the First Free Public Schools in America Marker

Inscription. On or near this site
was opened
one of
the first free public schools
in America
and the first in Brooklyn
under authorization given by the Schepens
July 4, 1661
Carl Debevoise
Teacher The spark here kindled has become a great flame, illuminating the path of youth unto wisdom and worth

Erected 1927 by The Brooklyn Teachers Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1661.

Location. 40° 41.449′ N, 73° 59.148′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Downtown Brooklyn. It is on Fulton Street just west of Bridge Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 487 Fulton 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,

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: Abraham & Straus (a few steps from this marker); The Great Stores (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Did You Know? (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Did You Know? (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Street / Downtown Brooklyn

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Did You Know? (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Did You Know? (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Did You Know? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Did You Know? (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 8, 2024

2. One of the First Free Public Schools in America Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.