Brooklyn Heights, a neighborhood steeped in history and architectural elegance, offers a captivating glimpse into Brooklyn’s rich past. As you stroll along Pierrepont Street, you’ll encounter a gothic masterpiece that safeguards the borough’s heritage: The Brooklyn Historical Society. This institution, a treasure trove of written histories of both Brooklyn Heights and the wider borough, stands as a testament to the area’s intellectual and artistic legacy. Take a moment to admire the frieze adorning its facade, featuring busts of literary giants, thinkers, and artists who have shaped our cultural landscape. Originally known as the Long Island Historical Society, its name change reflects Brooklyn’s distinct identity, moving away from being perceived merely as the western edge of Long Island. The building itself dates back to the Civil War era, a time when Brooklyn Heights blossomed as a hub for arts and culture. Directly across the street, the rectangular edifice now occupied by St. Ann’s School was once the prestigious Huntington Club, a men’s club that further underscores the historical significance of this neighborhood.
Turning onto Clinton Street, the eastern boundary of the Heights’ landmark district, you’ll pass St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, a sanctuary renowned not only for spiritual solace but also for its vibrant concert program. Just around the corner lies Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights, a thoroughfare that has evolved significantly over time. Today, Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights is known for its blend of financial institutions and legal offices. However, in an earlier era, this very street was home to the original Brooklyn Public Library and the Academy of Music. These cultural cornerstones eventually relocated by the dawn of the 20th century, paving the way for the bank buildings that now characterize Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights.
Continuing our exploration beyond Brooklyn Heights Montague Street, we reach Remsen Street, named after one of the area’s earliest families. At the corner of Clinton and Remsen stands a building that has transitioned from the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn to luxury condominiums, showcasing the neighborhood’s continuous evolution. As you walk along the southern side of Remsen Street, be sure to look upwards and appreciate the rooflines of the grand, multi-story brownstones. The white Brooklyn Bar Association building is particularly striking. Flanking this structure on either side are synagogues, representing both Orthodox and Reformed traditions, highlighting the diverse community that has long called Brooklyn Heights home. Proceed to the corner of Henry Street to discover the site of the original Plymouth Church, now the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Roman Catholic Cathedral. An intriguing detail here is the heavy metal doors, adorned with scenes of the Normandy countryside, which were salvaged from the French liner “Normandie” after it tragically capsized in New York harbor during its World War II refitting.
As you proceed along Remsen Street towards the East River and the iconic Brooklyn Promenade, keep an eye out for red plaques affixed to select houses. One such plaque, on the next block, commemorates Henry Miller, the controversial writer who once resided there. Venturing two blocks further onto Montague Terrace, you’ll find the former homes of literary giants Thomas Wolfe, celebrated for “Only the Dead Know Brooklyn,” and the esteemed poet W.H. Auden. Adding to this impressive literary tapestry, Arthur Miller also lived just around the corner on Joralemon Street for a time. This concentration of literary figures underscores the enduring appeal of Brooklyn Heights as a haven for creativity and intellectual pursuits, making a stroll through its streets a walk through literary history.
