Jamaica Avenue

In 1655, a deal was struck that would forever shape the destiny of Jamaica Avenue. Native Americans traded the land, a vital pathway even then, for two guns, a coat, and some gunpowder. Today, Jamaica Avenue, a bustling thoroughfare in Brooklyn and Queens, stretches over 10 miles, a testament to its enduring importance. It begins humbly at Fulton Street and Broadway in Brooklyn’s East New York, a continuation of East New York Avenue, and extends eastward, crossing the borough line into Queens. Jamaica Avenue’s reach finally ends at the city line in Bellerose, Queens, merging into the Jericho Turnpike to serve the rest of Long Island. This avenue wasn’t always paved and lined with shops. It started as a pre-Columbian trail, a vital route for tribes traveling from as far as the Ohio River and the Great Lakes to trade furs and skins for wampum. The Dutch, under Peter Stuyvesant, recognized its value and christened the surrounding area “Rustdorp.” Later, the English, upon taking control, renamed it “Jameco,” honoring the Jameco Native Americans. Jamaica Avenue’s history intertwines with the development of transportation. In the 19th century, it evolved from the Brooklyn Ferry Road to the Brooklyn and Jamaica Plank Road, complete with toll booths. The western part eventually became Fulton Street, while the eastern part retained the name Jamaica Avenue. Today, the J and Z trains of the BMT Jamaica Line rumble above Jamaica Avenue through Cypress Hills, Woodhaven, and Richmond Hill. Numerous bus lines, including the Q56, Q110, and Q36, traverse its length, carrying countless passengers daily. Jamaica Avenue is more than just a road; it’s the lifeblood of commerce for several Queens neighborhoods. The section running through Jamaica, Queens rivals Brooklyn’s Fulton Street in its retail significance, offering a vibrant marketplace atmosphere with a reputation for affordable goods. This vibrant commercial activity extends to Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Queens Village, where Jamaica Avenue serves as the primary shopping street. The avenue stands as a starting point for many newer streets in Queens, like Hempstead Avenue, Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Farmers Boulevard, and Queens Boulevard, shaping the urban landscape. From its humble beginnings as a Native American trail to its current status as a major commercial artery and transportation hub, Jamaica Avenue remains a vibrant testament to the city’s ever-evolving history.