5. Greenpoint: Java Street Belgian Block – Where 19th century cobblestones meet a 21st century shoreline

All along the Brooklyn waterfront, one finds remnants of the borough’s residential, commercial and industrial past. One of the most distinctive details, belgian blocks can be found in Greenpoint, DUMBO and Vinegar Hill, where historic streets have preserved some of their original paving. In the early 19th century, Belgian blocks provided solid footing for horses to traverse unpaved roads. Java Street boasts the only surviving example of Belgian block in Greenpoint, spanning one industrial block from West Street to the waterfront. The Citywide Ferry Service stop at India Street will provide a point of entry into Greenpoint’s waterfront past and an opportunity to contemplate earlier forms of transportation.