The largest naval construction facility in the United States, the Brooklyn Navy Yard began operations in 1801 and through the end of World War II, was one of the busiest naval stations on the eastern seaboard. 

The complex fitted out 400 ships during the Civil War and in 1918, 18,000 workers were assembling and repairing ships at the yard. 

Now several of its structures are city landmarks and it has become an industrial center that’s home to over 200 companies.