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ST. LOUIS — Brooklyn, Illinois is a beacon of resilience and freedom. As the oldest Black town in the United States, Brooklyn also helped form the ‘tracks’ that made up the Underground Railroad and remains an essential chapter in the story of the pursuit of life liberty for the millions of Black Americans who were enslaved in this country.
Settled in 1829, Brooklyn was officially incorporated as a town in 1873.
5 on Your Side’s Sydney Stallworth spent the day in the historic town, meeting up with Hakeem Abdul-Rasheed, a representative of the Historical Society of Brooklyn to learn about it’s founding.
Abdul-Rasheed told Stallworth, Brooklyn is an example of the strength and courage of Black people, even in the face of the upmost adversity.
“We’ve always been resilient – finding a better way,” he added.
In 1829, one woman — Priscilla “Mother” Baltimore — embarked on a courageous journey that would change the course of history. Escaping slavery in Missouri, a slave state, she sought refuge in Illinois, a free state, and brought 11 families along with her.
Initially named Freedom Village, Brooklyn was founded by Mother Baltimore and the brave families who sought to escape the horrors of enslavement, and create a place where others could do the same.
“It was originally called Freedom Village,” said Abdul-Rasheed. “Mother Baltimore and the founding families created an environment where individuals could find the idea of, or the ability to move away from an environment that was enslaving to them.”
The town of Brooklyn was also deeply entwined with the Underground Railroad, playing a crucial role in helping many Black people escape slavery. As Abdul-Rasheed pointed out, several spots in the town, like Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was a critical part of this network.
Just a short walk away, near Quinn Chapel AME Church, there are further reminders of Brooklyn’s connection to the Underground Railroad. Abdul-Rasheed says, “If we walk 500 feet, there’s another portion of that Underground Railroad that also ushered people from Missouri through Alton.”
The bravery of the town’s early families is evident, not just in their escape from slavery, but also in their efforts to establish a new life in a country that did not recognize them as citizens. Today, the Brooklyn community still carries the memories of those first generations who fought for freedom and opportunity, with several signs and a mural commemorating Brooklyn’s founding.
Abdul-Rasheed said “Brooklyn is the story of America, even if you extend it beyond just black people. The hope, the dream, the resilience, and the desire for a future.”
At its peak, Brooklyn’s population reached nearly 3,000. However, by 2022, the town’s population had dwindled to around 700 residents. In 2023, Brooklyn was listed as one of Illinois’ most endangered places by the nonprofit organization Landmarks Illinois.
While Brooklyn’s story has been overlooked in the past, there are efforts underway to bring its rich history to the forefront. Research projects like the Brooklyn Public Engagement Program use science and archaeology to uncover more about the town’s early days. According to Abdul-Rasheed, these studies include “archeological digs, information related to relics of the past.”
Historians with the Historical Society of Brooklyn, Illinois are hopeful that one day, Brooklyn will be commemorated as a National Historic Site. Abdul-Rasheed said the effort to sustain Brooklyn’s history is not only about preserving the past but also about providing a source of pride and identity for the community. He adds, “This redirects them to the essence of who they are,” underscoring the importance of understanding the town’s historical significance.
Despite setbacks in the past, such as an unsuccessful bid by the Illinois State Archaeological Society to designate Brooklyn as a historic district, there are renewed efforts underway.
In September 2024, the Illinois State Archaeological Society returned to Brooklyn to conduct further archaeological digs, gathering more artifacts to support another submission for historic designation for Brooklyn, which is still pending, according to the Historical Society of Brooklyn Illinois President Robert White III.
Meanwhile, Hakeem Abdul-Rasheed reminds us, “Let’s celebrate the work. It’s not done. Yes, we’ve made some tremendous gains but we’re not done. There’s way more work to do.”
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