Bensonhurst in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Milestone Park

Revolutionary War Heritage Trail

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2010

1. Milestone Park Marker

Inscription. On this site stood the Van Pelt House, portions of which dated to the late 17th Century. During the Revolutionary War, local farmers like the Van Pelts saw their homes used to quarter British and Hessian officers as well as American prisoners. The house was dismantled for the creation of the park in the mid-twentieth century, one of many such events that have marked the disappearance of Kings County’s rural past.

The New Utrecht Milestone (erected in 1741) marked the juncture of the King’s Highway (currently 82nd Street) and Old Road (now 18th Avenue) which led to the Town of Flatbush and to Gowanus Bay. On August 22, 1776, the invading British troops followed the King’s Highway to seize the villages of Gravesend and Flatbush to the east. They took the Old Road to Flatbush and proceeded north to engage the American forces.

Erected by New York State.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 40° 36.571′ N, 73° 59.964′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Bensonhurst. Marker is at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 81st Street, on the right when traveling north on 18th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11229, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Milestone Park (a few steps from this marker); New Utrecht Reformed Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Utrecht Liberty Pole (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named New Utrecht Reformed Church (about 600 feet away); The Battle of Brooklyn (about 600 feet away); Necassius De Sille House (approx. 0.3 miles away); New Utrecht Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Meucci Triangle (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a photograph of “The Van Pelt House circa 1920. Image courtesy of Brian Merlis and Lee Rosenzweig.” The lower left of the marker features a photo of the door of the “Van Pelt Manor House. Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection.” Next to this is a map showing A Plan of the Battle of Brooklyn. This map highlights the approximate location of this historic site.

Also see . . .
1. The Battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776 at Long Island, New York. The American Revolutionary War website. (Submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. Battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2010

2. Milestone Park Marker

. (Submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. The Battle of Long Island 1776. A British perspective of the battle from BritishBattles.com. (Submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker on 18th Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2010

3. Marker on 18th Avenue

Brooklyn Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2010

4. Brooklyn Marker

Marker in Milestone Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2010

5. Marker in Milestone Park

This park was the location of the oldest mile marker in New York City, installed in 1741. It has been removed for safekeeping.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,229 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 24, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.