Naming New York: Manhattan Places and How They Got Their Names

by Sanna Feirstein

A comprehensive compilation and explanation of Manhattan's streets, alleys, avenues, plazas, parks and corners

New York is the oldest continually occupied city in America, yet its rich history is largely obscured by development. New Yorkers are surrounded by hundreds of place names, from those that survive from Manhattan's earliest days as a Dutch trading post to those that reflect the city's rich colonial, African and immigrant heritage. They provide a veritable encyclopedia of the city's history. Buildings may come and go, but place names are surprisingly durable. Naming New York is a comprehensive compilation and explanation of the names of Manhattan's streets, alleys, avenues, plazas, parks and corners. It surveys names currently in use and includes the oldest and the newest honorific "add-on" names, from Astor Place to Yitzak Rabin Way.

Whether you're a history or trivia buff, tourist, or just fascinated by place names, learning about the origins of these mostly unexamined sources enriches one's experience of the city, and transforms a simple neighborhood errand into a trip through time.

For

Bowery : In the 17th century, Dutch farms known as "bowerij" were laid out in this section of Manhattan along the path of an old Indian trail. Known since that time as the Bowery, the thoroughfare became the first section of the Post Road from New York City to Boston.

Houston Street : For William Houstoun, 1757-1812, of a prominent Georgia family, who married a daughter of Manhattan landowner Nicholas Bayard III. The Georgia provenance of the name accounts for its pronunciation and spelling both of which distinguish it from the Texas city.

Wall Street : Follows the line of the city wall that the Dutch erected in 1653 across the northern perimeter of New Amsterdam to protect against attack from the British in New England.

Genres: New York

207 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the introduction and how it outlined the history behind the names. As someone who enjoys reading about that part of our history, I wish there was more of that throughout the book. Regardless, it is still an informative encyclopedia of Manhattan street names that every New Yorker should have. I haven’t found any other book that solves the question about how and why our street got their names as effectively as this one.

[Susan Schuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I wanted. I am sure I will refer to this time and time again. I wish there was one for each borough.

[Tom Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

No secrets here. It's a compendium of place names in the New York City environs. If you have an interest in the subject, the book is well worth reading.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a "sit down and read it cover-to-cover" kind of book, but interesting as far as where oddly named streets like Dyckman and Cabrini come from.