7. Brooklyn Navy Yard

Established in 1801, and known then as the New York Naval Shipyard, the Brooklyn Navy Yard operated for nearly two centuries as the center of American naval shipbuilding. Walt Whitman would have been extremely familiar with the Navy Yard as his home at 99 Ryerson Street was located in the abutting Wallabout neighborhood. The Navy Yard not only employed many of the residents of its surrounding neighborhoods, it also served as an area for social gatherings, or Sunday afternoon family strolls.

The Navy Yard’s buildings includes a variety architectural styles, dating from the 19th century onward. Closed in 1966, the current Navy Yard houses an industrial park and a center. Stop by BLDG 92, where one can learn about the history of the Yard and its surrounding neighborhoods for free.

Next, check out 7 spots in NYC where you can drink where the Beat generation writers did.

This article was written by Alexandra Hinojosa and Michelle Young.