In the 1800s oil for candles and light was big business. In 1855 both the Atlantic Oil Company and the New York Oil Company had their works in Red Hook Point taking advantage of the easy access to the water.

Atlantic Oil Company.
Incorporated May 1853
Capital $120,000. Shares, 1,200  Par value, $100
Works, Van Dyke St Red Hook Point.
Officeres 1854-5
President James Struthers
Treasurer and Secretary, J. M. Barrows

New York Oil Company
Incorporated March 1851
Capital $300,000 Shares, 3,000  Par value, $100
Works: Red Hook Point, South Brooklyn
Officers 1855-6
President, James N. Wood
Treasurer and Secretary, M.P. Robbins