Raleigh’s Missteps On Cobblestone Roads: A Painful Reminder
Have you ever walked down the cobblestone roads in City Market? Better yet, have you ever ridden a bicycle through those roads? If so, you’re aware of how rough and uncomfortable the path is. There’s a reason: the cobblestones — or more accurately, Belgian Block — are not in their original state. The only two (major) examples left of this once common way of road building were restored incorrectly, resulting in an uneven and bumpy surface.
The belgian block lot of the Depot today
During my interview with master landscaper Tom Mekus (Native Elements: Building a Better Residential Landscape) I learned of the importance of properly laid rock pathways, and the consequences of improperly doing so.
He explained that the reason the lot at the Depot (as well as City Market) is uncomfortable to walk on is due to a shoddy restoration. The workers dug up the rock and laid them back in haphazard fashion–erasing many decades of settling as well as erosion, which made the quarried stone smooth.
The Belgian block of City Market
Until speaking with Tom, I had assumed that the block pathways through City Market and at the Depot were completely original, dating back to the early part of the 20th century. The roads are one of the main talking points in literature of the district:
It is common to see couples walking hand in hand as they stroll along cobblestone streets lit by old-fashioned lanterns and illuminated trees.
At one point in time, the original Setts at City Market were paved over with asphalt. The asphalt and blocks below it were dug up 25 years ago during restoration. Although they were re-laid with the smooth side up, they were cast with concrete between them, creating gaps and and a very uneven surface.
intact block on south Harrington Street
Sadly, the only example of intact Belgian block in its original form in Raleigh (that I am aware of) is on the west side of S. Harrington Street. Located in front of William-Cozart, it’s but a small sliver of what used to be.
Where did all of those beautiful granite stones go to that once lined the streets? Are there any other examples of “Cobblestone” roads in Raleigh?
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08/19/2009
Thanks for this. City Market is extremely unpleasant to pass through on bicycle, so it’s good to know that there’s ways it can be done that would make the road still attractive, but more pleasant to use.
08/19/2009
Belgian blocks don’t have to be rough as a cob. The West Side Highway in New York City was paved with blocks. They had worn smooth and rode well if noisy…until a cement mixer fell through the structure in December 1973 :)
08/19/2009
Maybe we could put all of the pandhandlers in the vicinity to work fixing it.
08/19/2009
From what I understand, most (if not all) of the Belgian block paving in the downtown business area was dug up and discarded in the 1930s. Some of it was salvaged, though, and used in the construction of retaining walls throughout the central city residential areas, most notably in and around Cameron Park. The wall that runs along St. Mary’s St. in front of Wiley School is the most prominent example that comes to mind. I’m sure observant readers will be able to spot the many additional examples around.
08/19/2009
OK! Off to search for Belgian block!
08/22/2009
martin st is paved with bb under the asphalt, at least in front of white rabbit/paper plant. i saw them a few months ago when road work was being done.
08/23/2009
ditto Oakwood Ave between Person and Bloodworth — A friend and I saw it when the gas company was laying new pipeline through there a couple years ago.
08/23/2009
My neighbors retaining wall on west aycock street is made with old belgian block.
08/26/2009
John, these photos are amazing. That word is overused, really, but it fits here. Beautiful bokeh, great saturation, great perspective. Really great.
09/03/2013
I was once told that residents got together for a community effort to remove the asphalt. Is this true? It may explain why the stones weren’t restored properly, & it makes a great story.
09/14/2021
It is uncomfortable to ride on, is there any way to fix this? The stone looks alright but doesn’t do its job very well. What kind of solutions are there?
06/08/2023
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06/11/2023
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11/11/2023
Master Paver, Christopher Columbus Sands (Sr), a stone mason & paver of Norfolk, Virginia, travelled to Raleigh to “pave the streets with stone” in 1887. From Fayetteville street, around the market, and down to Martin Street. There is an article about it in The News & Observer from 10 Aug 1887, page 4.
01/06/2024
I loved this, thanks for posting it. My wife and i follow each week for new content!
01/17/2024
Nice article on cobblestone roads.