Whitestone, Residential neighborhood in Queens, United States
Whitestone is a residential neighborhood in Queens that extends from the East River in the north to 25th Avenue in the south. The area features primarily single-family homes, with waterfront properties and tree-lined streets creating its character throughout the district.
The area takes its name from a white limestone outcropping on the river shore that Dutch settlers used as a landmark in the 1600s. This natural formation marked the first European settlement and gave the place its lasting name.
The neighborhood has Italian and Irish roots that shape its food culture and local businesses. Residents maintain traditions through family-run restaurants and community gatherings that define everyday life here.
The Whitestone Bridge provides direct vehicle access to the Bronx, while bus lines serve the neighborhood and connect to nearby subway stations. Walking and cycling are practical for exploring the local streets, and ample parking is available throughout the residential areas.
Francis Lewis, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, once owned a large estate here that British forces burned during the Revolutionary War. Few visitors realize this neighborhood sheltered one of the nation's founders and witnessed a dramatic moment in American history.
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