Off NYC's Beaten Path - Berlin Wall segments and Blockhouse Number One

The Berlin Wall – which once isolated West Berlin until it was completely demolished in 1992 – were actually divided into segments and given to various institutions all over the world

The distinctive art-graffiti that covered the Wall was started by artist Thierry Noir, who began painting a section of the wall closest to his apartment in order to make it less menacing.  Soon other artists joined, in, and the 14-foot tall ostensibly designed to protect the Eastern Block from fascist elements, but which actually served to prevent the mass emigration and defection of the East German population and resulting brain drain after World War II, had become a 14-foot tall canvas.

A magnificent graphical representation of the sordid events that took place near these walls before they were demolished – especially considering that these thick walls overlaid with artistic graffiti were once topped with guard towers and the surrounding area around these towers were once called the “death strip.”  A great memento of how the East Germans eventually won their freedom.

Blockhouse Number One

There is a small fort located in the northern part of Central Park in Manhattan, and people commonly refer to it simply as “The Blockhouse.” It is estimated to be the second oldest structure in the park, after Cleopatra’s Needle.

Built in 1814, the Blockhouse was part of a series of fortifications in northern Manhattan and Morningside Heights (formerly called Harlem Heights) during the Revolutionary War.  Based on trial excavations in 1995, however, it was discovered that the Blockhouse was actually built on a much older structure.  Its foundations have been found to date back to the time of the British occupation of Manhattan.

The features of the Blockhouse include a two-story bunker with a small staircase around a small area where a wooden platform would have once stood.  This would have included a revolving turret for a cannon, with small gunports at the sides.

The fort was thereafter used as an ammunition and storage building, and for this purpose, the structure was fortified by the addition of at least two feet of stone work.  Later on, near the turn of the 20th century, the current entrance, a staircase, and a tall flagpole was added.

The location of the Blockhouse within Central Park is not that easy to reach – it is situation in a wooded area that is rugged and high.  Once you gain access to its immediate area, however, you get a great vantage point of Harlem Meer.  The interior of structure is not open to the public, although the Urban Park Rangers do give occasional tours.  In general, the doors are securely closed by a large metal gate.

Visit and see how World Ventures makes a difference!