Hull Street Garden

Hull St. between Mother Gaston Blvd. and Broadway

Brooklyn, 11233

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This garden, like the adjacent street, bears the name of Captain Isaac Hull (1773-1843), commander of the U.S.S. Constitution during the War of 1812. On August 19, 1812, his ship destroyed the British frigate H.M.S. Guerriére in a naval battle now considered one of America’s greatest naval victories. Captain Hull became a hero and the U.S.S. Constitution earned the famed nickname “Old Ironsides.”

Born in Shelton, Connecticut, Isaac Hull became a cabin boy on a merchant ship at the age of 14. He enlisted in the United States Navy, ascending to the rank of 4th lieutenant by 25. After having captured a French privateer in the Tripolitan War (1801-1805), Hull received a promotion to the rank of captain in 1806. He became commander of the Constitution four years later.