Red Hook’s past is filled with tales of industry and its decline.  From the mid 19th century up until the mid 20th century, the Village of Red Hook was considered a main artery of the shipping trade in New York Harbor.  With that said, its population during this time was primarily comprised of longshoremen and their families. 

Red Hook’s vibrant waterfront began its decline in the 1960’s when many businesses left its ports for New Jersey.  The shipping industry had changed and the switch to containerization shipping rendered Red Hook, which was setup for bulk shipping, obsolete. Upon the emigration of the focal waterfront businesses from our neighborhood’s waterfront, Red Hook saw a rapid increase in unemployment and crime.  From the 1970’s to the mid-90’s the neighborhood became known for its crime and was finally considered one of the most crime ridden places in the United States. 

Since the mid-90’s, Red Hook has experienced an economic upswing as it continues to embrace its industrial roots while accommodating new residents and retail business.