Fort Defiance and the Pants Arrest: Red Hook's Hidden History

OtherA story of surprising defiance in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood

TL;DR

A Brooklyn neighborhood's surprising history includes a Revolutionary War fort and a woman arrested for wearing pants in 1894, revealing themes of defiance across different eras.

Key Takeaways

1Fort Defiance, an overlooked Revolutionary War fort off the coast of Red Hook, defended New York during the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn before the British took control.
2Emily Lund was arrested in 1894 for wearing pants at 87 Pioneer Street, representing a striking act of social defiance through clothing.
3The neighborhood's history reflects broader themes of resistance and unconventional behavior across different centuries.
4A notable 1910 baby parade in Coffee Park drew nearly 2,000 spectators to see approximately 13 babies.

Notable Quotes

“Mrs. Emily Lund appears in male attire and attracts a large crowd. She is arrested.”
— Historical record

“In a way, defiance is kind of the theme of today's address, but in a very different way.”
— Host

Chapters

1. Fort Defiance and the Revolutionary War

Fort Defiance was located off the coast of Red Hook and played a role in defending New York during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, one of the first major battles after the Declaration of Independence. However, the British ultimately took control of New York and held it through most of the Revolutionary War.

2. Emily Lund's Arrest for Wearing Pants

In 1894, Emily Lund was arrested at 87 Pioneer Street for appearing in male attire and wearing pants, an act that attracted a large crowd and represented a dramatic act of social defiance.

3. The 1910 Baby Parade

In 1910, a baby parade was held in Coffee Park across from 87 Pioneer Street, drawing nearly 2,000 spectators to view approximately 13 babies.

Key People & Entities

Emily Lund: Woman arrested in 1894 for wearing pants at 87 Pioneer Street in Red Hook, an act of social defiance

Glossary

Fort Defiance: A Revolutionary War fort located off the coast of Red Hook, Brooklyn, that defended New York during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776.
Battle of Brooklyn: One of the first major battles fought after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, in which the British took control of New York.

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