Pineapple Street

Pineapple Street, the pineapple street

The Brooklyn audio-guided tour has you discover Pineapple Street, which translates as the pineapple street. Behind this astonishing name lies a delightful anecdote, which says a lot about the rebellious spirit of certain inhabitants of Brooklyn Heights in the nineteenth century.

Lady Middagh's revolt

Before the nineteenth century, the streets of this part of Brooklyn bore the names of the district's great aristocratic families. But Lady Middagh, finding it pretentious to see these names there, removed the signs herself to replace them with her own: names of fruits. Thus were born Pineapple Street, Cranberry Street and Orange Street. The city first wanted to remove them, but faced with Lady Middagh's insistence, these fruit names eventually established themselves for good.

What there is to see

Pineapple Street is a charming residential street of Brooklyn Heights, lined with brownstones and brick houses. Its unusual name, like those of the neighbouring fruit-named streets, brings a smile to visitors and adds to the charm of the district. It is a pleasant stop along the walk, between local history and peaceful atmosphere.

Practical information

Pineapple Street is in the Brooklyn Heights district, in Brooklyn, near Cranberry Street and Orange Street. This residential street can be walked freely at all hours and on the level, along the walk in the district.

Why is this street called Pineapple Street?

According to tradition, Lady Middagh replaced the names of aristocratic families with names of fruits; Pineapple Street keeps the memory of it.

What are the other fruit-named streets?

There are also Cranberry Street and Orange Street, born of the same revolt by Lady Middagh in Brooklyn Heights.