10 Famous New York Streets and Their Origins

Fifth Avenue is among the most famous streets in the world and is home to some of the most iconic buildings in New York, including the Empire State, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patricks Cathedral.

Visitors from all over the world come to admire the avenue's iconic buildings and to shop at its world-renowned stores.

 Origin

The Fifth Avenue originates at Washington Square at Greenwich Village and runs northwards through Midtown, along Eastern Central Park.

It was commissioned in March 1811 and was initially narrower. The section south of Central Park widened in 1908, and the residential area was developed as a commercial area in the 20th century.

The 33-mile-long thoroughfare begins at State Street and cuts through Manhattan and the Bronx before ending in Westchester.

Some of the most popular attractions such as Broadway Theatre and Times Square, lie here.

Origin

It was uncovered during the pre-colonial era when the Native American inhabitants developed the route and named it the "Wickquasgeck trail."

It got its name, 'Broadway,' in the 19th century after the English took over the city from the Dutch.

Crosby Street is one of the unmistakable parts of the fashionable neighborhood in Soho with a selection of chic stores housed in old factories. This street is an integral part of Soho's artistic and industrial culture.

Origin

This street was named originally after William Bedloe Crosby, a 19th-century millionaire and philanthropist.

In the mid-1800s, it used to be a busy commercial site with factories, warehouses, and retail stores, later it was replaced by art studios, galleries, and boutiques.

If you want to see Art Deco apartment blocks, stunning architectural styles, and Renaissance Revival buildings, Park Ave is the go-to place.

It runs from Manhattan and the Bronx, that travels through Bowery, Mott Haven, and Midtown. Along the way are some iconic buildings such as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Chrysler Building.

Origin

Park Avenu was originally called the Fourth Avenue. The name was later changed to Park Avenue north of Grand Central in 1888. 

The street was originally a street railroad that ran to what is now Lower Manhattan.

St. Mark's Place New York has quaint cafes and daring tattoo parlours. It stretches from Copper Square to Avenue A and ends at Tompkins Square Park.

The crowds here are hip and happening with a grungy yet quirky vibe. The area is now filled with dive bars, funky shops, hip restaurants, and food vendors.

Origin

The area was originally owned by Dutch Director General Peter Stuyvesant in 1651.

It was named after the nearby St. Mark's Church in the Bowery on 10th Street at Second Avenue.

Madison Avenue in New York is cosmopolitan, with tons of options for shopping. The street begins from the Madison Square Park and ends at the Madison Avenue Bridge. 

You can visit Frick Museum on Madison Avenue to see some modernist art as well as Renaissance period pieces, a perfect spot for art enthusiasts.

Origin

It was initially not a part of the original Manhattan street grid established in the Commissioner's Plan of 1811. 

It's named was later carved between Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue in 1836, due to the effort of lawyer and real estate developer Samuel B.

Prospect Park West Brooklyn is a leafy avenue giving a glimpse of residential life outside of Manhattan.

With bike paths, trails, a 526-acre park, and historic landmarks, Prospect Park West is filled with them all. The Picnic House and Boathouse & Audubon Center are just a short walk away.

Origin

First proposed in legislation passed in 1859, Prospect Park was laid out by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Later in 1867, it was opened under the name Prospect Park which was completed fully in 1873.

Wall Street in New York courses eight blocks through Lower Manhattan's Financial District.

The world's economic powerhouse is home to the New York Stock Exchange and hosts the world's most influential investors and banking tycoons.

Origin

It's origin can be traced back to a 17th-century wooden wall built by Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam to protect against British and Native American attacks.

It was named later after the wall, Wall street, and the name has been stucked under the same name to date.

Washington Street is a street originating in downtown Boston, which extends southwestward to the Massachussetts-Rhode Island state line.

This street in New York is an ideal place for photographers for some travel-envy photos. Besides, this place also has some fantastic eateries, restaurants, and local food joints.

Origin

Previously known as Old Cornhill, it has multiple origins, including being named after George Washington, the first U.S president, wen he rode the Post Road into Boston during New England Tour.

Bowery in Lower Manhattan, NYC runs from Chatham Square at Park Row, Worth Street, and Mott Street to Copper Square.

It is one of NYC's oldest streets and Manhattan's wildest boulevards. The street is further known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy restaurants and cafes, and high-end boutiques.

Origin

Until 1807, the area was known as Bowery Lane. But today, it is simply known as Bowery, the English version of breweries, Dutch for "farm."