Exploring the History and Culture of Bensonhurst: From Suburbs to Little Italy

🏢Bensonhurst was originally a Dutch town called New Utre and later merged with Brooklyn, becoming America's first suburb.

🍕The area became a vibrant Italian neighborhood as Italian immigrants moved in during the mid-1900s, forming a community rich in culture and tradition.

💼Bensonhurst had strong ties to the mob, with figures like Sammy Gravano associated with the area and influencing its development.

🎉The Feast of Santa Rosalia, honoring the patron saint of Palermo, is a significant celebration in Bensonhurst and showcases the community's Italian heritage.

🗺️Landmarks like Christopher Columbus Avenue are reminders of the area's history and Italian influence.

What was Bensonhurst originally called?

—Bensonhurst was originally called New Utrecht, named after the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

When did Italian immigrants start moving to Bensonhurst?

—Italian immigrants began migrating to Bensonhurst in the mid-1900s, establishing a vibrant Italian community.

Was Bensonhurst associated with the mob?

—Yes, Bensonhurst had ties to the mob, with figures like Sammy Gravano, a prominent member of the Gambino crime family, associated with the area.

What is the Feast of Santa Rosalia?

—The Feast of Santa Rosalia is an annual celebration in Bensonhurst, honoring the patron saint of Palermo. It is a significant event that showcases the community's Italian heritage.

What landmarks represent Bensonhurst's history and culture?

—Landmarks like Christopher Columbus Avenue and the annual Feast of Santa Rosalia serve as reminders of Bensonhurst's rich history and Italian influence.

00:00Introduction to the video and the focus on exploring the history and culture of Bensonhurst.

03:30Bensonhurst's origins as a Dutch town called New Utrecht and its incorporation into Brooklyn.

07:00The immigration of Italian immigrants and the transformation of Bensonhurst into a vibrant Italian neighborhood.

10:00The connections between Bensonhurst and the mob, with figures like Sammy Gravano associated with the area.

13:45The importance of the annual Feast of Santa Rosalia in Bensonhurst, celebrating the patron saint of Palermo and showcasing the community's Italian heritage.

16:20Notable landmarks in Bensonhurst that represent the area's history and culture, including Christopher Columbus Avenue.