Learn about Red Hook’s Maritime Heritage 

A Busy Ocean Port 

Red Hook has been an important part of Brooklyn’s waterfront for years. In fact, in the 19th century, it was one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. Dockworkers and their families settled in the area at the time and worked at the bustling port. By the early 20th century, the shipping industry moved most of its business to the Port of Newark and Red Hook’s port became quieter. The area began to experience economic decline during this time.  

On The Waterfront 

To learn more about port life in the mid-20th century, we recommend watching the 1954 film On The Waterfront, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando. The film, which won twelve Academy Awards including Best Picture, depicts union corruption and violence among dockworkers on the waterfronts of Hoboken, New Jersey. The film’s portrayal of the harsh and corrupt world of waterfront labor offers a glimpse into what life might have been like in Red Hook during that era. 

Continuing the Maritime Legacy 

The Brooklyn Cruise Ship Terminal opened in April 2006, marking a new chapter in Red Hook’s maritime history. Located on the site of a former freight terminal at Red Hook Pier 12, the Brooklyn Cruise Ship terminal has helped to revitalize the Red Hook waterfront and reconnect the neighborhood with its maritime roots. The terminal has been named “Terminal of the Year” by Princess Cruise Lines and “Best New Homeport” by PortHole Magazine. Guests can often see the famous Queen Mary 2 ship docked in the terminal. Many cruise ships depart and arrive at the terminal each year. 

Waterfront Museum and Barge 

If you want to learn more about Red Hook’s maritime past, visit the floating Waterfront Museum which serves to preserve the rich history of the Red Hook waterfront. The museum is located in a 100-year-old railroad barge named Lehigh Valley No. 76 that was once used to carry goods across the harbor. The museum was opened in 1986 and brings a piece of Red Hook's maritime past to our modern harbor. It's definitely worth a visit!

Stay with Us and Watch History Come to Life 

The Lodge Red Hook is located only a ten-minute walk from the Brooklyn Cruise Ship Terminal and a twenty-minute walk from the Waterfront Museum. We also recommend stopping by Strong Rope Brewery Red Hook on the Red Hook waterfront, where you can enjoy ocean views and imagine the bustling port of the past. Or, if you simply want to admire the ocean, we recommend visiting the Pier 44 Waterfront Garden. Don't forget explore more things to do in Brooklyn. Experience our comfortable rooms and convenient amenities while exploring Red Hook’s maritime legacy.