The Lefferts Family CONTRIBUTION
Flatbush, as we know it, would not be the fast-paced community it is today if it were not for the Lefferts’ family. In the mid 1800’s, around Gabriel Furman’s time, the Lefferts’ family invested in many transportation companies. The Lefferts invested in railroads, real estate, and roads which led to the urbanization of the town. The Lefferts’ wanted to grant the public access to visit Flatbush town. Furman agrees with the Lefferts changes to the town, proclaiming Flatbush town to be a pleasant and neat place,"....the road wound through a forest, which has a very picturesque appearance-arrived at Flatbush- a pleasant neat town...."
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Timeline
In 1810, Lefferts Lefferts purchased stock in the Brooklyn, Jamaica, and Flatbush Turnpike Company. It connected Brooklyn, Flatbush, Bushwick, and Queens County.
In 1855, John Lefferts founded the Flatbush Plank Road Company. After the Plank road was built, visitors were charged toll to enter Flatbush town. In 1878, Brooklyn Flatbush Coney Island railroads opened. In the 1880’s John’s son James invested money in the railway Brooklyn, Flatbush, Coney Island Railway Company. The rails improved access between Flatbush, Brooklyn, and New York City. In 1889, the town of Flatbush purchases Flatbush Avenue from the Flatbush Plank Road Company for $10,000. |
Image above: "Lefferts" January 24, 2011. Station reporter.http://www.stationreporter.net/aleff.htm. "courtesy of www.stationreporter.net"