The Old Flatbush Toll Gate, unknown date.

Originally located along the old Flatbush Turnpike, this Old Flatbush Toll Gate dates to an era when travelers were obliged to pay a small fare when they passed from the Village of Flatbush into the City of Brooklyn. While the 19th century turnpike no longer exists, the route generally followed what is known as today’s Flatbush Avenue. It stood along the Turnpike until 1925, when the toll gate was relocated to Prospect Park’s Willink Entrance. Residents who sought to avoid the toll were known to reroute to Port Road, also called Shinpike Road, which was a narrow and stony street that led to Gowanus and Red Hook Lane (now Court Street).