Test your knowledge with the NYC Tour Guide Test. Prepare for your NYC tour guide exam with our comprehensive practice questions and flashcards.

Practice this question and more.


What is a "Brownstone"?

  1. A type of sandwich

  2. A type of beer

  3. An architectural style

  4. Originally, a rowhouse built almost entirely of brown sandstone. Later was faced with brownstone only.

The correct answer is: Originally, a rowhouse built almost entirely of brown sandstone. Later was faced with brownstone only.

A "Brownstone" is originally a rowhouse that was built almost entirely of brown sandstone. Over time, the term evolved to refer to houses that were faced with brownstone. This distinctive architectural style is characteristic of many neighborhoods in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn and parts of Manhattan. This answer is correct because it accurately describes the historical and architectural significance of brownstones. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not relate to the architectural style of a brownstone. Option C is partially correct as it mentions architectural style, but it does not capture the specific historical and material details that define a brownstone.