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

Sand Dunes

Coney Island Creekwalk

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2025

1. Sand Dunes Marker

Inscription. Before settlement in the 1820s, Coney Island was a barrier island composed of tall, stable sand dunes, some so large that they were used as navigational aids by mariners approaching New York Harbor. The dunes, shaped by wind and tides and covered with vegetation including Cypress and pine trees, stabilized Coney Island until they were leveled during the 1880s, when the island was developed. In recent times, the Parks Department has restored some of the sand dunes at Coney Island Creek Park on the opposite side of the creek, re-creating the natural environment of the barrier island.

Erected by NYC Parks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list.

Location. 40° 35.003′ N, 73° 59.936′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Gravesend. It is on Calvert Vaux Park Greenway west of Shore Parkway, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn

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NY 11214, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City

and on Long Island.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Battle of Brooklyn (within shouting distance of this marker); Fishing the Creek (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coney Island Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spartina Salt Marsh (approx. 0.2 miles away); Egrets and Swans (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fishing the Creek (approx. ¼ mile away); Gene Ritter Way (approx. ¼ mile away); Shipwrecks (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2025

2. Sand Dunes Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.