Most of Washington’s streets are named with the well-known alpha-numeric system with diagonal avenues named for states. But what about the street names outside the alphabetic grid? Where did they get their names?
The Historical Society answers your question in the Washington City Paper‘s Answer Issue. Learn about D.C.’s street names and other often-asked questions about Washington!
And how about those resources we mentioned in the article? Well, you’re in luck! They’re linked below:
- “Street Nomenclature of Washington City” by Alexander B. Hagner in the Records of the Columbian Historical Society, 1897.
- “Streets Named Anew: Commissioners Fix Highway Nomenclature for Suburbs” (1901, Aug 15). The Washington Post (1877-1922). (Requires log-in with your D.C. Public Library card)
- “New Street Names: Nomenclature for Section in the Far Northwest” (1905, Aug 02). The Washington Post (1877-1922). (Requires log-in with your D.C. Public Library card)