This park is at the location of the oldest existing milestone in New York City. The New Ultrecht milestone was placed here in approximately 1741 under the reign of George II. The stone, which served as a directional post to travelers, stood at the juncture of two colonial roads: Kings Highway and Old Ultrecht – Flatbush Road (now 18th Avenue). It also served as a gauge to determine postal rates.

The inscription read as follows:Front – 8¼ Mile to N York Ferry

This Road

To Deny’s Ferry

2½ Mile

Side – 10½ Mile to N York Ferry

This Road

To Jamaica

15 Mile

The New Ultrecht Milestone is now in safekeeping with the Long Island Historical Society.

Marker is on 18th Avenue, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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