Rise and Fall of the Sugar King : A History of Williamsburg, Brooklyn 1844-1909

The history of Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the rise of the American sugar industry are so intertwined that it is impossible to separate them. The Havemeyer family built the world’s largest sugar refinery that would be renamed Domino, but also constructed a sugar empire that made Henry Havemeyer one of the richest and most powerful men in America. This book chronicles Henry Havemeyer’s ascent and reign as the “Sugar King” of the United States. It is a tale of greed, crime, wealth, power and corruption, but it is also the story of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Rise and Fall of the Sugar King, based on extensive historical research, recounts the lives of a half dozen Williamsburg residents during the years from 1844 to 1909.