Brighton Beach: Evolution
From Decoding New York
| Introduction |
| Brighton Beach |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Crown Heights |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Comparison |
| * Photo Gallery |
| * Sources
|
Brighton Beach was originally part of the English town of Gravesend and up until the mid 1800s, the area was primarily used for for farming. The first real estate development at Brighton Beach was initiated by William A. Engeman, an entrepreneur who made all his money through selling supplies to the Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.
Engeman built the neighborhood’s first pier in 1869, the Ocean Hotel in 1873, and a bath house in 1875. Engeman’s hotel and bathing facilities drew crowds of Brooklyn families eager to go on vacation. Another attraction that pulled people to Brighton Beach was the Brighton Beach Race Track. In addition, the Brighton Beach Music Hall and the New Brighton Theater, which featured the first Yiddish vaudeville theater, captivated audiences with their lively entertainments. From the beginning of the twentieth century, Brighton Beach became the amusement capital of Brooklyn, after which it became an attractive area of residence. People from crowded neighborhoods like Brownsville, East New York, and the Lower East Side began to find homes in Brighton Beach in the 1920s. It was not until the 1970’s that the large Russian population that makes up Brighton Beach today began settling in Brighton Beach.
Today, Brighton Beach consists predominantly of Russian immigrants. Other nationalities have also settled in the neighborhood, including Puerto Ricans, Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis, and Vietnamese, but in much smaller numbers when compared to the Russian population. Like all real estate, what is so attractive about Brighton Beach is its location. The open ocean and wide and long beach makes the area attractive to all nationalities. Many people perceive New York City to be a busy place, with skyscrapers and stores filling the city up with concrete. Brighton Beach, since the beginning of its existence, has been an escape from the realities of the chaotic city and continues to be so for immigrants today.
