The O in GOWANUS is for the Old Stone House in my series of drawings for the next Gowanus Nite Market. I found this on Google Maps, just looking for something that began with an "O," and took pictures later. According to it's website, it's a "reconstructed 1699 Dutch farmhouse that was central to the Battle of Brooklyn. The Old Stone House is a museum and community resource that explores the American Revolution, colonial life and Brooklyn."

The Battle of Brooklyn took place in August 1776 and was the first and largest battle in the Revolutionary War. Basically, tons of British were based in the house and fired upon the Americans, led by Colonel William Smallwood. The Americans regained the house twice, but ultimately were defeated by the British with severe casualties. General Washington admired his soldiers' bravery and fierce fighting that day.

The Old Stone House is in Park Slope in the middle of the Washington Park & JJ Byrne Playground at 4th Ave. and 3rd St. in Brooklyn, so it's technically on the edge of Gowanus, but it's so historic and cool that I wanted to share this bit of history with everyone. If you want to visit and learn more about the Battle of Brooklyn, it's open Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-4PM.