4. The Brooklyn Navy Yard Employed Some of the First Women in the U.S. Navy

Brooklyn Navy Yard-Dry Docks-World War II-NYC

The Brooklyn Navy Yard has historically relied on an extensive workforce, particularly during periods of war time. The Brooklyn Naval Hospital, which was active during the Civil War, employed some of the first female nurses and medical students in the United States Navy. Moreover, when the workforce exploded in size to 70,000 employees during World War II, women were hired at the yard for the first time as mechanics and technicians.