New york street names explained
The fascinating world of New York City street names! Here's a breakdown of the different types of street names and their origins:
Grid System: Manhattan's street grid system was designed by the Commissioners' Plan of 1811. The plan divided the island into a grid of 12 avenues (running north-south) and 155 streets (running east-west). The avenues are numbered from 1st to 12th, and the streets are numbered from 1st to 220th.
Named Streets: Many streets in Manhattan have names that reflect their history, geography, or notable landmarks. Some examples:
- Fifth Avenue: Named after the Duke of Manchester, who owned a large estate in the area.
- Broadway: Originally known as the "Heerestraat" (High Street), it was renamed Broadway in 1660 to reflect its broad, straight path.
- Wall Street: Named after the wall built by the Dutch in 1653 to protect their settlement from British attacks.
- Park Avenue: Originally known as "Murray Hill," it was renamed Park Avenue in 1873 to reflect its proximity to Central Park.
- Lexington Avenue: Named after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
- Madison Avenue: Named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
- Columbus Avenue: Named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered America.
Neighborhood Names: Many streets in New York City are named after the neighborhoods they serve. Some examples:
- Chinatown: The streets in Chinatown, such as Mott Street and Canal Street, reflect the area's Chinese heritage.
- Little Italy: The streets in Little Italy, such as Mulberry Street and Mott Street, reflect the area's Italian-American heritage.
- Greenwich Village: The streets in Greenwich Village, such as Christopher Street and Perry Street, reflect the area's bohemian history.
- Harlem: The streets in Harlem, such as 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, reflect the area's African-American heritage.
Other Types of Street Names:
- Alleys: Many streets in New York City have alleys, which are narrow passageways between buildings. Some examples include:
- Ludlow Alley: A small alleyway in the Lower East Side.
- Hester Street Alley: A small alleyway in Chinatown.
- Plazas: Some streets in New York City have been renamed as plazas, which are public spaces. Some examples include:
- Times Square: Originally known as Longacre Square, it was renamed Times Square in 1904 to reflect the area's growing importance as a hub for the newspaper industry.
- Union Square: A public square in the Flatiron District that has been the site of many protests and demonstrations.
These are just a few examples of the many different types of street names in New York City. The city's street names reflect its rich history, cultural diversity, and geographic layout.