Brooklyn, New York, has various neighborhoods, all with their own different characters and stories.
Some are vibrant and full of color and creativity, while others are prim and proper, well polished to fit the white-collar world.
There are other ones that are just the right amount of both worlds, like Fort Greene.
Fort Greene is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It is one of the most historically significant places in the country and yet is a modern, vibrant, and picturesque area of Brooklyn.
Fort Green is home to a diverse society. African Americans are the most predominant people in the area, followed by Hispanics, Caucasians, and Asians.
Fort Greene is one of the most tight-knit communities in Brooklyn, despite the difference in culture.
Fort Greene is the leading residential area of Brooklyn, but it is full of life. This place is full of restaurants, bars, parks, and shops.
Anything you might need is just a few blocks away at its furthest.
Now that we have said all these exciting things about Fort Greene, let us get to know Fort Greene well.
Some other neighborhoods you may want to check out. It is better to overview the complete neighborhoods of Brooklyn with the map before you continue.
- Bed Stuy
- Flatbush
- Bay Ridge
- Coney Island
- Brooklyn Heights
- Green Point
- Bushwick
- Park Slope
- Dumbo
- Williamsburg
History of Fort Greene
Fort Greene is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York. Fort Greene got its name after the American Revolutionary War fort, supervised by General Nathanael Greene.
General Nathanael Green was one of the war generals who were allies with George Washington.
He had an essential role in the American Revolutionary War, specifically in the battle of Longisland, in 1776.
During the war, the General constructed a fort at the highest point of the neighborhood, known as Fort Putnam, which is located in what is now Fort Greene Park.
In 1776, during the Longisland battle, many Americans who had retreated from the fort were taken captive by the British, and 11,500 people were killed aboard the British prison ships.
This battle was a total defeat for the American troops, and the fort also deteriorated into a bad shape.
Though the British had taken over Fort Putnam right after the war, Americans took over again, and the fort was rebuilt for the war in 1812.
After its reconstruction, Fort Putnam was renamed the Fort of Greene after the name of General Nathanael Greene.
In memory of the people who lost their lives during the 1776 Longisad battle, the Brooklyn City designated the area where Frot Greene was located to be the first public park in 1847.
Then in 1867, the renowned architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Claver Vaux were given the project to design what is now known as Fort Greene Park.
One of the highlights of this park is the Prison Ship Martyrs and Crypt in honor of the 11,500 people who died in the war.
In the mid-twentieth century, Fort Greene had become a predominately African American Neighborhood.
But When the 1970s economic crisis hit Fort Greene hard, the number of African American residents decreased significantly.
This financial crisis also had a considerable effect on the area’s architecture, mostly Italianate and Eastlake architecture.
And a measure was taken to preserve these exquisite architectures, as they were registered on the National Register of Historic places in 1983, which has positively affected the area.
Today, Fort Greene is one of the historic and desirable places in Brooklyn, New York.
It represents a lovely version of city life, with a bit of history, old architecture, and modern life all preserved together.
Where is Fort Greene?
Fort Greene is a neighborhood located in the northwestern part of Brooklyn, New York City.
The exact boundaries of Fort Greene are often debatable by the local people. Some believe Fort Greene to be smaller than what it is by two blocks, and others argue otherwise.
But the north to south boundaries of Fort Green is Flushing Avenue to Atlantic Avenue.
And the east to west boundaries of Fort Greene is Clermont Avenue and Flatmont Avenue.
How to get to Fort Greene
To get to Fort Greene, you can take the bus, train, or the subway.
- Using the bus: The buses that pass through Fort Greene are B26, B52, and B62. The nearest bus stations to Fort Green in Brooklyn are two minutes away. These stations are the Greene AV/ Fulton St, Fulton St / Greene AV, and the Fulton St / Lafayette Av.
- Using the train: The closest train line to fort Greene is the HEMPSTEAD BRANCH and the RONKONKOMA BRANCH. The Atlantic terminal station is the nearest train station to Front Greene in Brooklyn, an 8mins walk away.
- Using the subway: The subway lines that stop near Fort Greene are the C, G, N, Q, and R subway lines.
You can also drive to Fort Green from anywhere in Brooklyn, and having your car would make it easier to move around Fort Greene.
Things to do in Fort Greene
Being one of the most historic and modern neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Fort Greene is full of places to visit and activities to enjoy. It is a place where you get to experience the best of both worlds, one after the other.
From the old Italianate and Eastlake architectures to various modern skyscrapers, from small businesses right around the corners of the neighborhood to big malls and shopping centers, Fort Greene has it all.
Now, let us see some of the things that you can do when you visit Fort Greene.
● Visit Fort Greene Park
First established in 1847, Fort Greene Park is the centerpiece of the Fort Greene neighborhood.
This Park has a long story starting from being a home to several forts during the American Revolutionary War to being a recreational center for the community.
Fort Greene Park is found on the hill, so the area is covered in green and has different excellent views of the city.
From Fort Green park, you can see the world trade Center and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
As one of the best Dog Parks In Brooklyn, Fort Greene Park is now full of fun activities to do instead of forts during war times.
It has a basketball court, a tennis court, and different playgrounds covering significant acres of land.
Fort Greene Park is a great place to visit for picnics and get a clean breath of air outside the city.
Related; 30 Best Parks In Brooklyn
● Try out Different Cuisines
Fort Greene Park used to be predominantly occupied by African American people back in the 19th century, which affected the food culture positively. There is a mix of restaurants that have a vibrant blend of cultures.
Fort Greene is a place where you will experience various cuisines in one neighborhood: Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, and Dominican; there are endless options.
Going on a food trip throughout Fort Greene can be one of the more adventurous experiences of your visit.
Explore;
16 Top Best Restaurants in Fort Greene
15 Best Brunch Spots In Fort Greene
● Catch a show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Going on a trip to Fort Greene and not visiting the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a trip not complete.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music is one of the most important cultural centers in Brooklyn.
Founded in 1861, The Brooklyn Academy of music is one of the oldest standing landmarks in the area, with a massive production of classic dramas.
You can catch an independent film here at the academy, at the BAM Rose cinema, watch a live theater at the BAM Harvey theater center or watch musicians perform at the Howard Glimor opera house.
You can also participate in the annual fall festival, including concerts, literature readings, and other productions.
It is a great place to visit with your loved ones on a date or just with your family.
● Enjoy the nightlife
I have to say the nightlife of Fort Greene is more vibrant at any time of the day.
As many bars open, restaurants at their rush hour, and different performers busking their local pieces of music on the streets, you can see the real beauty of Fort Greene.
So if you are visiting Fort Greene, get your friend to go out and grab a drink at a pub as you enjoy all these scenes unfolding right before your eyes.
More reading; 15 Best Bars in Fort Greene
● Visit MoCADA
MoCADA is short for the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art.
This museum was founded in 1999 to promote and preserve the art and culture of the African diaspora in Brooklyn.
MoCADA aims to give a platform to young and talented African artists, start a conversation on different socio-political aspects of life affecting the African diaspora and create change through art.
If you love art and enjoy learning history, there isn’t a better place to visit than the MoCADA in Fort Greene.
● Go on a Book Shopping Spree
Greenlight book store is one of the best places in the city to purchase a variety of books in one place.
They always have the latest releases of books and signed hard copies.
The selection of books here at the Greenlight book store is another thing many appreciate about this place.
Local authors, renowned writers, kid’s sections, different genres of fictional books, and contemporary classics can find them all here in one place.
Besides having a book store on the ground floor, they also have a cafe where you can go to get some work done. They also host various book club meetings and talks there.
You might even meet one of your favorite writers there, as they host several events, book signings, and readings.
● Visit the amusing architecture of The Brooklyn Masonic Temple.
The Brooklyn Masonic Temple was built in 1906, using the Greek revival style of architecture.
The most interesting fact about The Brooklyn Masonic Temple is how it is built to be a replica of King Solomon’s temple from the bible.
The size of the building and the length of the ceiling would just leave anyone visiting the place in awe.
The different structures and designs on the inside and outside of the building leave everyone amazed.
The Brooklyn Masonic Temple is registered in the national registry of historic places, and now it serves as a hall for various events, concerts, and other programs.
● Visit the Pratt Institute‘s Sculpture Park
A great way to finish your visit to Fort Greene is by visiting the Pratt Institute’s Sculpture Park as you cross over to Clinton Hill.
Pratt Institute‘s Sculpture Park is one of the largest campus parks in New York City.
This greenery is full of different sculptures made by some world-renowned artists who went to school here at Pratt Institute.
There are also various exhibitions and show which take place here at the park, where newly coming artists and students showcase their works.
Pratt Institute’s Sculpture Park is open to the public to visit, so if you are an art enthusiast, this can be one of your favorite destinations in Fort Greene.
Is Front Greene a good neighborhood?
Fort Greene is one of the diverse and historic places in Brooklyn that has managed to accommodate and embrace the new and modern things in the area.
Besides the green scene that has almost covered the neighborhood, you will find various markets, a growing entertainment scene, different cultural institutions, etc.
Fort Greene also has an average crime rate compared to other areas in New York City and a below-average property crime rate. When it comes to renting or buying a place, Fort Greene is on the expensive end.
According to a study in 2020, Fort Greene was the second most expensive area to live in Brooklyn, New York.
But if you love historic areas, diverse menus, green scenery, and a show nearby, you might want to put Fort Greene on top of your list.
Conclusion
Fort Green is a place where you get to experience the best of both worlds, history plus modern city life.
From the various historical tourist destinations to its hippest street arts and performances, Fort Green is indeed one of a kind experience you want to have.
Finally, we hope this article has shown you the true beauty of Fort Greene, and you have got to know something exciting about Fort Greene.
Please let us know in the comments if you have enjoyed reading this article and shared it with your friends and loved ones.
