Lefferts-Laidlaw House
136 Clinton St., New York, NY Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the American Revolutionary War, Kings County played a significant role as a strategic location for both British and American forces. The Battle of Brooklyn, fought in August 1776, resulted in a victory for the British and a subsequent occupation of the area for the remainder of the war. After the war, Brooklyn grew rapidly as a result of its close proximity to Manhattan and the expanding transportation infrastructure.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Kings County witnessed significant population growth and urban development. The completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 improved access between Brooklyn and Manhattan, leading to a surge in population and industrialization. The borough became a major center for industry, manufacturing, and immigration. Immigrants from all over the world, particularly from Eastern Europe and Ireland, settled in Brooklyn, contributing to its cultural diversity.
In 1898, Brooklyn, along with several other surrounding municipalities, was consolidated into the newly formed City of Greater New York, becoming a borough of the city. Throughout the 20th century, Brooklyn continued to evolve, experiencing various ups and downs. It faced economic challenges, racial tensions, and urban decay, but also witnessed periods of revitalization and cultural renaissance. Today, Kings County is a vibrant cultural and economic hub, known for its diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and iconic landmarks.
Kings County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kings County, New York.
- 1683 - Kings County is founded as one of the original counties of New York Province.
- 1777 - The Battle of Long Island takes place in Kings County during the American Revolutionary War.
- 1824 - The village of Brooklyn is incorporated.
- 1834 - The borough of Brooklyn is established.
- 1898 - Brooklyn, along with other towns, becomes a part of New York City through consolidation.
- 1924 - The name of Kings County is officially changed to the County of Brooklyn.
- 1952 - The name of the County of Brooklyn is changed back to Kings County.
- 2000 - The population of Kings County reaches over 2.4 million, making it the most populous county in New York State.
- 2014 - Kings County experiences a surge in economic growth and development, with the opening of various businesses and the revitalization of neighborhoods.