The Backfiring Acronym Meant to Deter Development: How Dumbo Got Its Name
Brownstoner takes on Brooklyn history in Nabe Names, a series of briefs on the origins and surprising stories of neighborhood nomenclature. Along Brooklyn’s watery perimeter sits Dumbo — not the flying elephant, but a pricey industrial-turned-residential corner of Kings County where centers of America’s industry have been transformed into luxury condos. Originally known as Fulton…
Brownstoner takes on Brooklyn history in Nabe Names, a series of briefs on the origins and surprising stories of neighborhood nomenclature.
Along Brooklyn’s watery perimeter sits Dumbo — not the flying elephant, but a pricey industrial-turned-residential corner of Kings County where centers of America’s industry have been transformed into luxury condos.
Originally known as Fulton Landing (the muse of Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”), the area was renamed DUMBO by fearful residents in the 1970s. The name is an acronym for the area’s literal location Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass. It was meant to deter real estate brokers and the looming specter of gentrification.
Unfortunately for the residents, the acronym proved more of a trend setter than a deterrent, and the neighborhood is now Brooklyn’s most expensive.
Fun fact: The artists also considered naming the area DANYA, for District Around the Navy Yard Annex.
A single tower of the bridge in 1909. The span wouldn’t be completed for another three years. The Empire State Building wouldn’t rise until 1931.
Related Stories
Over a Century of the Manhattan Bridge Seen From Dumbo (Photos)
Beloved Dumbo Bookstore PowerHouse Will Move, But It’s All Good
Dumbo Breaks Sale Records, Is Crowned Brooklyn’s Most Expensive ‘Hood in 2015
Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
[sc:daily-email-signup ]
I would like to see the authoritative source for how Dumbo got its nickname. I read the NYT article that first mentioned this story about them naming it as an anti-development measure, but it just throws it out there without any reference to anyone. It may indeed be true but as with many other NYC names, there are lots of origin stories floating out there.