In 1642 the first ferry landing opened on the land that is now Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Empire Fulton Ferry section. Soon after, a thriving trading economy developed into a small town called “the Veer,” meaning “the Ferry.” As the Veer grew throughout the 17th century, it became known as the “Road to the Ferry.” On August 29, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, the Veer served as a crucial strategic location for George Washington and the Continental Army in the Battle of Long Island. In the middle of the night, Washington’s troops evaded the quickly-advancing British Army by escaping across the East River to Manhattan.