Fort Greene Park Named May’s ‘Park of the Month’ by Parks Dept.

Brooklyn Eagle ^ | May 14, 2007 | Anon

[Pharmboy]

BROOKLYN — Fort Greene Park is both a popular neighborhood park and a historically significant site. The 30-acre park is home to tennis courts and playgrounds, a visitors’ center and a monument to Revolutionary War heroes, and is host to events such as concerts, poetry readings, and civic gatherings. The park, which is bounded by Myrtle Avenue, DeKalb Avenue, Washington Park and St. Edwards Street, has been named May’s Park of the Month.

“History comes alive at Fort Greene Park,” said Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “What was once a Revolutionary War fortress, known as Fort Putnam, is now a majestic park with majestic views. New Yorkers can learn about our shared history by exploring the new Visitors’ Center and soon, a restoration of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument and its surrounding landscape will be complete.” The park is named for Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene who oversaw the construction of Fort Putnam at the summit of the park in 1776.

[Pharmboy]

Putnam and Greene: both great.

[Pharmboy]

Sunset over the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument in Ft Greene Park, Brooklyn, NY

More than 10,000 patriots died in these floating hellholes: more died here than on all the battlefields of the Revolution combined.

Their bones remain.

RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list (FreepMail me if you want to be placed on or taken off this list

[NonValueAdded]

Thanks for the ping. I didn’t realize the toll was that high.

[aculeus]

More than 10,000 patriots died in these floating hellholes: more died here than on all the battlefields of the Revolution combined.

I never knew so many had perished on those ships.

[rmlew]

Ping

[neverdem]

thanks, bfl

[pookie18]

Thanks for the memories...used to train in Ft. Greene Park with the Brooklyn Technical High School track team...

[Pharmboy]

Wow pook; I am a graduate of Tech myself.

[Pharmboy singing]
Tech alma mater molder of men;
Proudly we rise to salute thee again...

[vzevm0ka]

Thanks for the ping, Pharmboy. Interesting stuff.

[StatenIsland]

Thanks for the ping.

I was born about a block away.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks for the article. Names of 8,000 men and women who were prisoners on the New Jersey hulk are on the Merchant Marine web site.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

OLD Jersey. Not "New" Jersey. D'oh.

[Pharmboy]

Thanks for the link. Estimates for the total lost on these ships anchored in the area of NYC that was to become the Brooklyn Navy Yard range from 9,000 to 12,000. Total number of Patriots killed during land and sea battles of the RevWar listed at about 6,200.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Greene greater.

Unless you’re talking about the forts!

[Pharmboy]

No argument. Greene was a better strategist and a MUCH better field commander, but Old Put was fearless, loyal and a great Patriot. Putnam was important in the early stages of the RevWar up in Boston.

[pookie18]

...Loyal we stand now 6,000 strong
Wake, echos wake, as we thunder our song (I think ;-)

[Molly Pitcher]

This is perfect timing. Thank you!

I'm reading a biography of Greene: Washington's General, and enjoying it very much.

Greene sacrificed much for his country. May he long be remembered!