Bay Ridge was once Yellow Hook, renamed in 1853.
Bay Ridge was formerly Yellow Hook, a village named for the colour of its soil; in December 1853 it was renamed to avoid associations with yellow fever, the new name being chosen for the local geography. The station was originally 95th Street–Fort Hamilton and in fact lies in Fort Hamilton. The army post there was called Fort Hamilton as early as 1826, but officially named for Alexander Hamilton only in the 20th century.