Gowanus was settled by the Dutch in the 1640s, and by the early 1800s, development had already centered on the Gowanus Canal. Developers realized the artificial waterway was a perfect outlet into Gowanus Bay and offered industrial plots along its edges.
In its prime, the canal was edged by coal and lumber yards, brick and stone yards, paint and ink manufacturers and paper and plaster mills. But, the introduction of containerized shipping in the 1970s made the canal less attractive to large businesses, causing many to close or move away.
Since the 1980s, the canal has housed smaller businesses such as a bagel company, beverage companies, bakeries and a furniture repair shop. What has sprung it farthest into the public sphere, though, is its pollution, which has drawn complaints as early as 1880. In 1893, the Brooklyn Eagle called the waterway an “open cesspool.”
Now, neighborhood activists have devoted time and energy to advocating for its planned cleanup.
