Famous (and Infamous) Streets and the Stories behind Their Names

Some streets are named after famous people, while others have more unusual or even infamous origins.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most well-known (and not-so-well-known) streets and the stories behind their names.

Famous Streets:

Broadway: This world-famous street runs through the center of Manhattan in New York City. It’s home too many of the city’s most popular theaters and is often referred to as “The Great White Way” due to all of the bright lights. The street was originally called Broad Way, with “broad” meaning “wide” in Old English.

Fifth Avenue:

Another one of New York City’s most famous streets, Fifth Avenue is known for its luxury shops and department stores. It’s also home to the famous Fifth Avenue Hotel, which opened in 1859. The street got its name from the fact that it was the fifth avenue created in the city when Manhattan was first laid out in 1611.

Wall Street:

The street most associated with American finance, Wall Street got its name from an actual wall that was built to protect against Native American attacks. The wall wasn’t very effective, though, and was eventually taken down. Today, the street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and other financial institutions.

Main Street:

This is a generic term for a street running through the center of town or village in many parts of the world. In the United States, Main Street is often used to refer to the main business street in a town.

Unusual Streets:

Fleet Street:

This street in London is named after the River Fleet, which used to run through the area. The river got its name from the Old English word for “fast-moving,” which is appropriate given that it’s one of London’s busiest streets.

Dead End:

This term is used for a street with no outlet, usually due to being blocked by another building or body of water. The first dead-end street is thought to have been created in 1887 on Manhattan’s East Side. Also learn street signs online.

Skid Row:

This term originally referred to an area of Seattle where logs were skidded down to the waterfront. It eventually came to be used as a generic term for a poor or rundown area of town.

Infamous Streets:

Skid Row:

This term originally referred to an area of Seattle where logs were skidded down to the waterfront. It eventually came to be used as a generic term for a poor or rundown area of town.

Dead End:

This term is used for a street with no outlet, usually due to being blocked by another building or body of water. The first dead-end street is thought to have been created in 1887 on Manhattan’s East Side.

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FAQs:

What is the most famous street in the world?

Broadway in New York City is one of the most famous streets in the world. It’s known for its theaters and bright lights, and is often referred to as “The Great White Way.”

What is the origin of the term “Skid Row?”

The term “Skid Row” originally referred to an area of Seattle where logs were skidded down to the waterfront. It eventually came to be used as a generic term for a poor or rundown area of town.

What is the most famous street in the world?

Broadway in New York City is probably the most famous street in the world. It’s often referred to as “The Great White Way” due to all of the bright lights.

What is the story behind Fifth Avenue?

Fifth Avenue got its name from the fact that it was the fifth avenue created in the city when Manhattan was first laid out in 1611.

What is Skid Row?

Skid Row originally referred to an area of Seattle where logs were skidded down to the waterfront. It eventually came to be used as a generic term for a poor or rundown area of town.

Conclusion:

There you have it! A brief history of some of the world’s most famous streets. From Broadway to Fifth Avenue to Skid Row, these streets have all earned their place in history.