Driving Around Brooklyn, Illinois in 4k Video

Filmed on Wednesday, April 23 2025, I drive around Brooklyn, IL to see what's going on.

Brooklyn is located two miles north of East St. Louis, IL and three miles northeast of Downtown St. Louis, MO.

The town was founded in 1829 when Priscilla "Mother" Baltimore led a group of 11 families comprised of both free and fugitive African Americans to flee slavery in St. Louis for the free state of Illinois.

In 1880, the population included 371 African-Americans and 203 European-Americans.

In 1886, the black majority registered many voters and gained political control of the village.

In 1891, Mayor Evans named the town's new post office "Lovejoy" after the abolitionist Elijah P. Lovejoy who was killed in Alton, Illinois in 1837.

In 1915, two rival gangs attempting to declare themselves police chief had a shootout in front of a grocery store, resulting in three deaths.

In 1933, the police chief ran an extortion ring and dissolved the city council at gunpoint.

By 1940, the town would report fewer than 10 white inhabitants.

With the decline of industry in the 20th century, Brooklyn has suffered the same economic and social problems as nearby East St. Louis. A cluster of bars and strip clubs are the primary source of local revenue. In 2007, it was reported that 75% of the town's economy is derived from the adult clubs.

#drivingtour #ghetto #illinois