Here Are Seven Historic Street Names In Boston That Will Leave You Baffled
By Kim Falchek|Published June 14, 2023
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Boston’s Back Bay and downtown areas are wonderful places to spend a day walking around and taking in the city sights. Streets like Arlington, Newbury, and Hanover are known for great shopping, dining, and attractions, but have you ever wondered how Boston’s best-known streets got their names? I did some research and found lots of interesting facts about the city’s history!
Acorn Street is considered to be one of the most photographed streets in Boston. Located in the upscale Beacon Hill neighborhood, this beautiful street is covered in cobblestone and is made up of stunning brick rowhouses. The street was originally named “Kitchen Street” because many local workers (including several cooks) lived here. It was later renamed Acorn Street to fit in with other tree-named area streets.
Clarendon Street is the third of several Back Bay streets that are typically referred to as “the alphabet streets.” These streets are actually named after English Lords. The others that run north to south include Arlington, Berkley, Dartmouth, Exeter, Fairfield, Gloucester, and Hereford.
Hanover Street in Boston’s North End is populated with many delicious Italian restaurants and pastry shops. It is one of the oldest streets in the city and was originally a Native American path. It was once named Orange Tree Lane. In the early 1700s, the street was renamed Hanover Street after the House of Hanover, who were successors to the British throne.
The origin of Milk Street, located in the city's financial district, has multiple theories. Some think that it was named for a milk market that was located here in the early 1700s. Other people feel that it honors shipwright John Milk whose family owned land on the street in the 1600s. Founding father and inventor Benjamin Franklin was born on Milk Street in 1706.
Newbury Street is known for its expensive stores and fancy restaurants, but the street was originally designed as an affluent residential area. Newbury Street was named to honor the Puritans who were the victors of the Battle of Newbury in The English Civil War in 1643.
Tremont Street starts at Government Center and was named in honor of land that was once a part of the city’s topography. Originating from the name "Trimountaine," the street refers to a hill that has three peaks. Beacon Hill remains, but the other two hills (Mt. Vernon and Cotton Hill) have long been demolished. Tremont Street runs about three miles through several Boston neighborhoods.
And what's up with all those public alleys? These tiny streets were originally private and used to deliver goods to area houses. They have since been made public and are now typically used as parking access areas. Each alley has a special number assigned to it.
Do you know any other fun facts about Boston street names? Or do the streets in your city or town come from interesting origins? If you love learning about Boston history, please take a look at these historic city photos then check out these Boston landmarks.
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