A Brief History of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
This article is sponsored by the local audiologists in Brooklyn, NY at EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist. We hope that you enjoy learning more about the historic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay located in Brooklyn, and how it has evolved over the years evolving from a fishing and tourism destination to a residential area.
Sheepshead Bay: The Early Years
Sheepshead Bay refers to both the neighborhood in Brooklyn as well as the bay itself, being named after the fish found in the water. in the 1840s and before, the town was a secluded fishing and farming community. It became an early vacation destination in the summers starting in 1840. The Long Island Rail Road extened to Sheepshead Bay along with Ocean Avenue that helped bring additional visitors.
Before horse betting was criminalized in New York state, there was the Sheepshead Bay Racetrack which also helped to spur tourism and residents moving to the area. There was even a “Millionaire’s Row” built along Emmons Ave, east of East 27th Street.
Decline of Early Sheepshead Bay Tourism
The decline of the racetrack after horse betting was criminalized saw the track host auto racing for a few years form 1915-1919, but this too fell out of popular tourism attractions. Cony Island opened not too far awy and had a subway connection, also leading to the decline of Sheepshead Bay as a tourist destination. Vacant lots opened, the race track was subdivided for housing and Millionaire’s Row featured bungalows, leading to an influx of permanent residents.
Later Development of Sheepshead Bay
The Squan Creek originally ran through the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood, until the 1920s when it was filled in. The New York City Dock Commission also dredged the bay to help allow for boats to be docked in the area rather than needing to dock further away in Canarsie. Private and charter boats were allowed to dock here.
Over the years, Sheepshead bay transitioned from predominantly Irish and Italian to a more diverse neighborhood. There has been continued development in the neighborhood, transforming the community. This includes a small shopping center, housing developments, and waterfront restaurants and nightclubs have opened alongside new condominium developments.
Today, Sheepshead Bay is mostly residential featuring both one and two family attached and semi-attached houses. High density condos are more common near the center of the neighborhood near Ocean Avenue.
There are a number of notable residents who are from Sheepshead Bay. This includes Larry David, Judge Judy, Vince Lombardi, Lee Mazzilli, and Michelle Trachtenberg among a number of others including comedians, actresses, musicians, artists, and even some notable felons like Martin Shkreli.
Demographics of The Sheepshead Bay Neighborhood
The area of Sheepshead Bay has seen its population increase during the 20th century. Jewish and Soviet immigrants commonly moved to the area in the mid-late 20th century. Looking at the 2010 census, there were 64,518 residents living in the area spanning almost 1,460 acres, giving a population density of around 44 people per acre. This census also recorded the following racial makeup:
68.1% White
15.7% Asian
8.1% Hispanic or Latino
6.4% African American
and less than 1% combined Native American, Pacific Islander or from other races
Most residents in the neighborhood are between 25-44 (28%) or 45-64 (26%) while youth under 18 made up approximately 21% of residents. There are still large populations of both Chinese and Soviet residents in the area. In fact, Avenue U Chinatown of Brooklyn is partially in Sheepshead Bay. Many immigrants from the former Soviet Union live along the waterfront areas. Albanians, Turks and Hispanics also have high populations in the neighborhood.
Things To Do In Sheepshead Bay
While the area is no longer a true fishing destination and there is no amusement park in the direct area, there is still plenty to do whether you are just visiting or are a resident. The northern shoreline along the bay features piers, an active seafood market and plenty of tour boats. This area also has many popular restaurants and nightclubs. There are four branches of the Brooklyn Public Library spread through the area, perfect for cooling down on a hot day and reading a good book. Other attractions include:
Enrico Caruso Museum of America
Kelly Park Playground
Bill Brown Playground
Marine Park
nearby Hendrick I. Lott House
nearby Lady Moody House
The New York City Subway has service to the area by the BMT Brighton Line (Trains B and Q).
Our Local Office
EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist are based in Brooklyn offering at home services for your audiology and holistic ear health needs. Services can include hearing tests, balance tests, tinnitus relief, ear cleanings, and hearing aids. In addition to traditional audiology services, Dr. Srour specializes in a holistic approach to ear health the can have benefits for your entire body health. Auriculotherapy and ear acupressure using ear seeds can help you find relief for many different symptoms by targeting the central nervous system.
Contact our Brooklyn audiology office to discuss your hearing concerns or to schedule a hearing test.
EarSpa New York
By Appointment Only or At Home
1310 Avenue R
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(347) 695-6309
Your Home Audiologist
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