HOW STREETS OF TRENTON
OBTAINED
PRESENT NAMES
This portion of an 1872 map shows the basic arrangement of streets at the
heart of Trenton.
(from the Vertical Files of the Trentonianna
Collection at the Trenton Public Library)
Source is indicated as the State Gazette, Sept. 1933 - Jan. 1934
ABERNATHY DRIVE
Abernathy Drive memorializes the name of Mr. James Abernathy, famous Scotch
engineer. Charles G. Teunon gave this thoroughfare its present name.
ALLEN STREET
When this thoroughfare was laid out it was named Woodruff Street in honor
of Mayor Aaron D. Woodruff. The origin of its present name is in doubt, but
there is reason to believe that it stands for William Henry Allen, a distinguished
American naval officer. This is supported in part by Montgomery Street, which
bears the name of Richard Montgomery, who was also a noted naval officer.
William Henry Allen won distinction in 1812 as First Lieutenant of the frigate
United States in the action with the Macedonian.
ACADEMY STREET
It was in the early days of the Republic that Academy Street was changed from
Fourth Street, in keeping with the changes of other numbered streets in the
centre of the city. The street was appropriately named for the famous Trenton
Academy which opened early in the century and occupied the site of the present
public library, The Trenton Academy played a great part in moulding the lives
of many young men of the city and it stands out historically as one of the
fine educational institutions of the country.
ASBURY STREET
This street, which stands for Francis Asbury, noted Bishop of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, was evidently named by the congregation of the Union Street
M.E. Church, whose edifice stood on the site now occupied by the Brothers
of Israel Synagogue. The land in the rear of this church, which was once a
graveyard, extended back to Asbury Street. Francis Asbury preached in Trenton
for the first time May 20, 1772. He attended the laying of the foundation
of the first local Methodist Church in 1773. In 1857 it was proposed to change
the name of Asbury Street to Maxwell Street.
ASHMORE AVENUE
This thoroughfare was named for the Ashmore family, whose members were prominent
in the early life of Lamberton, now the Sixth Ward. Some of these were identified
with transportation on the Delaware.
ATTERBURY AVENUE
This street, once a part of the Atterbury estate, formerly the Hermitage estate
of General Philemon Dickinson, bears the name of Edward J. C. Atterbury, a
prominent resident of the town. For a number of years he conducted the American
Star Anvil Works. He retired from business about the time of the Civil War.
BANK STREET
This thoroughfare was once called Union Street. As this street was often confused
with Union Street, South Trenton, the name was changed to Bank Street because
of the State Bank that stood on the site of St. Mary's Convent. Robert McNeely,
tanyard owner and Mayor of Trenton, laid out the first building lots along
this street.
BARBARA STREET
The first record of this street is indicated on what is known as the Sloan
and Rowley Plan of Lots. The origin of its name is obscure. However, the story
goes that it bears the given name of the first woman to purchase a lot when
the locality was developed.
BARNES STREET
This street bears the name of the Barnes family, whose members owned land
in the locality. Thomas Barnes, one of Trenton's early druggists, lived in
a house that stood on the site of the Third Presbyterian Church, Warren Street.
Barnes Street was accepted by ordinance passed March 12, 1851.
BARNT AVENUE
Barnt Avenue bears the given name of Barnt de Klyn, who lived in Bow Hill
Mansion which stands in the locality. Mr. De Klyn was of French Huguenot extraction.
At the time of the Revolution he was a manufacturer of woolen cloth. For a
short time he conducted a store in the centre of town. He died at Bow Hill
in the Fall of 1824.
BEAKES AVENUE
Beakes Avenue perpetuates the name of one of the pioneer families of Trenton.
This street was once a part of the Nathan Beakes plantation which embraced
many acres in the locality. The plantation dwelling, a two-story structure,
with a low hanging roof, stood on a site which is identified today as the
north side of Beakes Street near the corner of New Willow Street. A large
barn and a number of the out-buildings stood nearby. The Beakes family was
connected by marriage to both the Stacy and Trent families. Beakes Avenue
was accepted by ordinance of June 2, 1885.
BEATTY STREET, see LALOR STREET
BELVIDERE STREET
Belvidere Avenue was named for the Delaware and Belvidere division of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. This street was accepted by ordinance passed October
20, 1885.
BERKELEY AVENUE
Berkeley Avenue obtains its name from John Lord Berkeley, one of the first
owners of New Jersey under Royal grant. His name appears frequently in the
early history of New Jersey in connection with the original government and
the division of land. He was linked with Sir George Carteret in the original
grant.
BLOOMSBURY STREET
Bloomsbury Street, formerly Fair Street, was named after the village of Bloomsbury,
(which in turn received its name from Bloomsbury Court, once the home of Judge
William Trent). It was probably originally known as Water Street, for it was
surveyed by the surveyor of highways in 1825 and was then a continuation of
a thoroughfare known as Water Street. The Bloomsbury Inn building, now owned
by the City of Trenton, is believed to be the oldest structure along the street
today. There was a proposal in 1857 to name the street Delaware Street.
BOUDINOT STREET
This thoroughfare, once a part of Atterbury tract, formerly the Hermitage
estate of General Philemon Dickinson, perpetuates the name of Elias Boudinot,
distinguished figure of Revolutionary and post war days. From 1808 to the
time of his death in 1821, he was a resident of Burlington. Mr. Boudinot was
a grandfather of Edward J. C. Atterbury, once owner of the Atterbury estate.
Murray Street, a part of the same estate, was named for Mrs. Atterbury's
family.
BOW HILL AVENUE
This thoroughfare was named for Bow Hill Mansion, once the home of Barnt De
Klyn. The story goes that Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of Naples and Spain, rented
it for a time for his beautiful protegee, Annette Savage. The estate, known
as the Bow Hill farm, obtained its name from the bow-shaped ridge along the
Delaware.
BRIDGE STREET
Bridge Street obtains its name from the first bridge to span the Delaware
at Trenton. This structure, which consisted of five wooden arches, each composed
of five great arched ribs rising from the base, was considered in its day
on of the finest works of bridge engineering in America. The present new free
bridge spans the site. The building of the original bridge began in May, 1804,
and it was finished and open for travel on January 30, 1806. This marked the
decline of the Trenton ferry.
BROAD STREET
Broad Street was once named Queen Street in honor of the wife of the reigning
King of England. But the Revolutionary War changed things considerably and
the street became known as Greene Street, and still later in 1889 it was changed
to Broad Street because of its width. Aside from its commercial activity it
has many historical associations. It was down this street that the patriot
host under Washington swept on the fateful morning of December 26, 1776 and
routed the Hessians with the befuddled Colonel Rall at their head. At the
head of Warren and Broad Streets stands the beautiful monument to commemorate
the Battle of Trenton.
BROWN STREET
Brown Street bears the name of the Rev. George F. Brown, D. D., once pastor
of the First Methodist Church of Trenton and presiding officer of the Trenton
District. Mr. Brown was one of the developers of the tract through which the
street runs.
BRUNSWICK AVENUE
The stretch of this street within the city limits from the Five Points to
a point above Mulberry Street was originally a part of the Maidenhead Road,
now the Lawrence Road. After 1804 a straight highway was opened as turnpike
to New Brunswick and the avenue took the name Brunswick
CADWALADER DRIVE
Cadwalader Drive was named for the Cadwalader family, whose members had extensive
holdings in the western section of the city. The progenitor of the family
in Trenton was Dr. Thomas Cadwalader, who was the First Chief Burgess of the
settlement during the years it had a borough government operating under a
charter granted by King George, the Second. He founded a public library in
Trenton in 1750.
CALHOUN STREET
Calhoun Street is the outgrowth of Calhoun Lane, where Alexander Calhoun lived
and kept a general merchandise store, about at its junction with Pennington
Avenue. The lane led from this point, crossing what used to be the river road
near where the present feeder runs, and ended at Beatty's Ferry on the river.
It was an important artery of traffic in the early days and today it forms
one of the two principal outlets of the city to Pennsylvania.
CANAL STREET
Canal Street bears the name of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. It was originally
plotted out to extend to Perry Street. The tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad
now cover this site. In 1857 it was proposed to change the name of a portion
of this street to Cadwalader Street.
CARROLL STREET
Carroll Street probably bears the name of Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was cut through lands
of Thomas Cadwalader and wife, James M. Redmond and wife, Louis P. Higbee
and wife, William P. Sherman and wife, Lucy Anna Higbee, Jacob Waldburg and
wife, and John H. McIntosh and wife; was deeded to the city May 16, 1850,
and accepted by ordinance passed March 12, 1851. When first opened Carroll
Street did not extend to Perry. This extension was made possible by ordinance
passed April 3, 1855.
CARTERET AVENUE
Carteret Avenue is named for Sir George Carteret, one of the first owners
of New Jersey under royal grant. He was a lieutenant-governor in the island
of Jersey in the English Channel and had successfully defended its position
for Charles I against the parliamentary army of Cromwell.
CASS STREET
This thoroughfare, once called Washington Street, perpetuates the name of
General Lewis Cass, of Michigan, Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson.
General Cass was twice defeated for the Presidency. He served as Secretary
of State in 1857.
CAVELL STREET
Cavell Street perpetuated the name of Edith Cavell, the English war nurse
who was executed by the Germans in October, 1915, on the charge of aiding
in the escape of British prisoners. Cavell Street was opened and developed
by Samuel Hilton. It runs through what was once the Colonel Thomas Chambers
tract. One portion of this land was purchased by the grandfather of the colonel
in 1788, and another portion in 1792.
CENTENNIAL AVENUE
This thoroughfare was named in honor of the American Centennial in 1876. It
was accepted by ordinance passed June 8, 1899. Trenton also has a Centennial
Block and a Centennial School.
CENTRE STREET
Centre Street was probably so named because it was once one of the leading
thoroughfares of Nottingham Township, Burlington County. It is designated
in old records as Front Street and as Second Street. The first Baptist meeting
house of Trenton and locality, known as the "Trenton and Lamberton Baptist
Church," was erected along this highway in 1805. The First Baptist Church
now stands on the site. The first free public school building of Trenton and
locality was also built along this street.
CHAMBERS STREET
This thoroughfare memorializes the name of Chambers Family. Robert Chambers
was the founder of Chambersburg. The Abner Chambers mansion, which stood at
Greenwood Avenue and Chambers Street, was demolished soon after the new Central
High School was built. Robert Chambers died February 22, 1865.
CHANCERY LANE
The original stretch of this thoroughfare which runs north of State Street
is the outgrowth of Chancery Court, so-named because of the Court of Chancery
and clerk's offices that were located in a building that stood on the site
of the Trenton Trust and Safe Deposit Company building. This court from its
northern terminus was extended to Bank Street by an ordinance passed February,
1869. Within recent years the part of the lane running from State to Front
Street, once known as Sterling's Alley, was widened as an extension of the
street. It was at this time that the name of the whole was changed to Chancery
Lane.
CHAPEL STREET
Chapel Street bears the name of the Presbyterian Mission Chapel that once
stood on the east side of Princeton Avenue facing the head of its namesake.
The street runs approximately on the line of a lane that led to the entrance
of the Trenton Cemetery, which was laid out more than 90 years ago in the
rear of the avenue north of Gordon Street. Dwellings now stand on the cemetery
site. The Fifth Presbyterian Church now occupies the site of the chapel.
CHERRY STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
CHESTNUT AVENUE
This thoroughfare was named for a kind of tree. Some other local streets that
bear the name of trees are Mulberry, Pine, Spruce, Walnut,
Cherry, Plum and Pear and Locust.
CHURCH STREET
This street, which was cut through what was known as the Moses farm, obtained
its name from the Prospect Street Presbyterian Church. The original stretch
of the thoroughfare was accepted by ordinance passed April 14, 1882. The extension
was accepted by ordinance passed June 15, 1886. The Prospect Street Presbyterian
Church was completed in 1875, and was the sixth in order of Presbyterian churches
of the city to be organized.
CLAY STREET
Clay Street is said to bear the name of Henry Clay, the distinguished Southern
statesman. It was dedicated and accepted by ordinance passed October 7, 1862.
CLIFF STREET
Cliff Street was so named for the high ground along the Delaware River at
the western terminus of the thoroughfare.
COMMERCE STREET
The name of this street was probably suggested by the commercial activity
that centered at the canal basin which once existed between it and Merchant
Street. The street was accepted by ordinance passed March 12, 1851. In 1857
it was proposed to change the name of Commerce Street to Lawrie Street in
honor of Gawen Lawrie, third Governor of East Jersey.
COOPER STREET
This thoroughfare bears the name of Peter Cooper, of New York, who established
a rolling mill in Trenton, and who was later one of the owners of the Trenton
Iron Works. The Cooper School also bears his name.
DAVIES STREET
Davies street was named for Edward Davies, who owned land through which this
thoroughfare was cut. Along this street Mr. Davies operated a fine brick plant.
DAYTON STREET
This thoroughfare memorializes the name of William L. Dayton, a member of
the United States Senate representing New Jersey. In 1856 he was nominated
Vice President on the Republican ticket. In 1857 he was appointed attorney
general, a position he held when appointed by Lincoln as Minister Plenipotentiary
to France. Mr. Dayton for a number of years, lived in one of the residences
that occupied the site of State Capitol Annex.
DECATUR STREET
Decatur Street bears the name of that dashing naval officer, Stephen Decatur.
In 1857 it was proposed to change the name to Coxe Street, after the Coxe
family.
DeKLYN AVENUE, see LALOR STREET
DICKINSON STREET, see TYRELL AVENUE
DUNHAM STREET
Dunham Street was named for Calvin T. Dunham, a member of the Calhoun Realty
Company, developers of the tract through which the thoroughfare runs. The
street was opened in 1912. The tract formerly was the site of the Fell &
Roberts brickyard.
ELIZABETH STREET, see LALOR STREET
EWING STREET
This street bears the name of the Ewing family. It was planned in 1849, though
lands owned by Thomas Cadwalader and wife, James M. Redmond and wife and William
P. Sherman and wife. The street was deeded to the city May 17, 1850, and was
accepted March 12, 1851.
FACTORY STREET
The name of this thoroughfare was suggested by an early factory that once
stood along it. In 1857 it was proposed to name it for Gideon H. Wells, who
was identified with two or three factories in that locality.
FALL STREET
Fall Street obtained its name from the fall line in the Delaware. In 1857
it was proposed to change its name to Barclay Street, after Robert Barclay,
second governor of East Jersey.
FEEDER STREET
This street obtained its name from the Delaware and Raritan Canal-Feeder.
The part of this thoroughfare on the north side of the waterway now bears
the name of Holland Avenue. In 1857 it was proposed to change the name
of South Feeder to Collins Street after Isaac Collins, noted printer, who
was the founder of the New Jersey Gazette.
FERRY STREET
Ferry Street, in South Trenton, is one of Trenton's oldest highways. Once
known as the Ferry Road, or the road to Trenton Ferry, it obtained its name
from the ferry at its western terminus. From Colonial times up to the building
of the first bridge across the Delaware, it was a very busy place.
FOUNTAIN AVENUE
This thoroughfare probably derived its name from the springs, called fountains,
that once furnished for the small reservoirs of the Trenton Water Works and
the Trenton Aqueduct Companies. For many years a large tract of land at the
end of the street was known as the Fountain lots. The street was accepted
by ordinance passed September 3, 1873.
FRONT STREET
Front Street is the only thoroughfare in the centre of Trenton that still
bears its original title. Its appropriateness, however, is not so manifest
today as it was when it fronted on the Assunpink Creek. The ground between
Front Street and the Assunpink, especially east of what is now Broad Street,
was called Littleworth because being exposed to the creek freshets it was
of little worth. The creek in those days was something of a stream and there
had been no filling in of the banks.
FULTON STREET
Fulton Street bears the name of Robert Fulton, who is generally credited in
popular histories as the inventor of the steam-boat. The name was changed
from that of William Street by ordinance passed November 1, 1889.
FURMAN STREET
Furman Street, according to proposals to change the names of streets in 1857,
was named for Moore Furman, the first mayor of Trenton.
GARFIELD AVENUE, see MONROE STREET
GENERAL GREENE AVENUE
General Greene Avenue perpetuates the name of General Nathaniel Greene, who
commanded one of the two American divisions at the Battle of Trenton. General
Washington was with Greene's division when it entered the village.
GENESEE STREET
This thoroughfare was once designated Hamilton Street in honor of Alexander
Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. Its name was changed to Genesee Street
by ordinance passed November 1, 1889, in order to avoid confusion with Hamilton
Avenue. Genesee Street was probably named for Genesee Falls in New York.
GORDON STREET
This street bears the name of Elisha Gordon, a prominent citizen of the town
who established a cemetery just north of it in 1837. In the next year Gordon
organized a company to conduct the enterprise. This was incorporated under
the name of The Trenton Cemetery Company. The cemetery embraced two and a
quarter acres of land and comprised 572 Burial plots. It was abandoned years
ago.
GREENWOOD AVENUE
The name of this thoroughfare was suggested by the luxuriant trees that once
grew in this section. The portion of this avenue between Broad Street and
the Delaware and Raritan Canal was originally named Taylor Street in honor
of James Taylor, who, with Henry Speeler, founded a pottery along it in 1852.
Later the plant was operated by Taylor and Davis and still later by Isaac
Davis. The name of Taylor Street was changed to Greenwood Avenue by ordinance
passed November 1, 1889.
HAMILTON AVENUE
For many years, known as the Sandtown Road it was named Hamilton Avenue in
honor of Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. In 1857 it was proposed
to call this road Huddy Avenue, after Captain Huddy of Revolutionary fame.
HANOVER STREET
How Hanover Street came by its present title is something of a puzzler. After
the Revolutionary War it was changed from Third Street. Why the patriots and
the citizens of a new country should have named the street after the then
reigning family of England has never been satisfactorily explained. There
was plenty of anti-British feeling in the early days of the Republic, and
historians have been given not a little trouble in trying to determine why
the thoroughfare should have been named after the House of Hanover from which
the Georges of England sprang.
HARDING STREET, see MONROE STREET
HART AVENUE, see TYRELL AVENUE
HERMITAGE AVENUE
This thoroughfare obtained its name from the Hermitage, the historic home
of General Philemon Dickinson, head of the Provincial forces of New Jersey
in Revolutionary days and after. The original Hermitage, which was visited
by General Washington, Robert Morris, John Adams, General Moreau and others,
stood on or near the site of the present Hermitage. Hermitage Avenue was extended
over and across the lands of the railroad and the canal by ordinance approved
March 19, 1896.
HEWITT STREET
Hewitt Street bears the name of Charles Hewitt, once president of the Trenton
Rolling Mill and senator from Mercer County.
HOLLAND AVENUE, see FEEDER STREET
HOWELL STREET
Howell Street was named for William C. Howell, who for many years was a local
justice of the peace.
HURLEY STREET, see TYRELL AVENUE
INDIANA AVENUE, see OHIO AVENUE
INGHAM AVENUE
Ingham Avenue was named for Samuel D. Ingham, Secretary of the Treasury under
President Jackson, by George Wainwright. Mr. Wainwright, purchased of Mr.
Ingham the tract through which the street runs. These men were distant relatives.
Samuel D. Ingham was a financier of national repute. Born at the Great Springs,
near New Hope, Pa., he became a resident of Trenton in 1849. He died in Trenton
June 5, 1860.
JACKSON STREET
A part of this thoroughfare was originally named Harrison Street in honor
of President William Henry Harrison. Eventually the street from end to end
was given the name of Jackson Street for President Andrew Jackson.
JEFFERSON AVENUE, see MONROE STREET
JOHN FITCH WAY
The original name of this thoroughfare was Commercial Avenue. Largely through
the efforts of former Mayor Frederick W. Donnelly the name was changed to
perpetuate the memory of Lieutenant John Fitch, who operated a commercial
steamboat on the Delaware in the summer of 1790, just 17 years before Robert
Fulton's "Clermont" plied the Hudson. At the head of the way stands
the Fitch Memorial Boulder erected by the City Commission in November, 1921.
At the time of the Revolution, Fitch had a gunshop on North Warren Street.
He was a member of the second military company raised in the town.
KELSEY AVENUE
This street memorializes the name of Henry C. Kelsey, who for many years was
Secretary of State of New Jersey, and who was well-known in Trenton as a philanthropist.
KIRKBRIDE AVENUE
Kirkbride Avenue, which runs through land that was once a part of the Beakes
plantation, bears the name of the Kirkbrides, an early family of Trenton.
The Beakes family and the Kirkbride family were connected by marriage. Sarah,
daughter of Mahlon Stacy, the first settler, married Joseph Kirkbride. Ruth,
sister of Sarah, married William Beakes.
LA BARRE AVENUE
The thoroughfare memorializes the name of Mayor George B. La Barre. The original
name of the street was Marshall Avenue.
LAFAYETTE STREET
The original name of this thoroughfare was Washington Street. In 1857 it was
proposed to call it Stacy Street after Mahlon Stacy, the first settler at
Trenton. In November, 1889, the name was changed to Lafayette Street in honor
of General Lafayette. For a short time before its present name was adopted,
it is said, it was called Maiden Lane.
LALOR STREET
Lalor Street takes its name from Jeremiah Lalor, who owned 300 acres of land
on either side of the present road, east of the canal. The street derived
its title early in the '60's. It was a country road up to that time. When
the estate was partially divided into building lots, the plans were drawn
by Miss Elizabeth Lalor and the streets were called after members of the family
- Virginia, Elizabeth, Barnt, DeKlyn, Randall, Beatty and Smith.
LAMBERTON STREET
This thoroughfare derives its name originally from the Lambert family, one
of the pioneer families of Trenton. A proposal to change the names of many
of Trenton's streets made to Common Council by a committee of citizens in
1857 reads: "We propose that the street leading from the river through
the 6th ward, be called Lambert street, after the family that were
large landed proprietors there."
LANDING STREET
Evidently so-named because of a boat landing at the end of this thoroughfare.
In 1857 it was proposed to name it Hart Street.
LEE AVENUE
Lee Avenue memorializes the name of Francis B. Lee, lawyer and historian,
who was very active in the park development of the land along the Delaware
in the rear of the State House to Brookville. Mr. Lee was the author of a
number of historical works and papers, including a history of Trenton.
LEWIS STREET
Lewis Street was named for the Lewis family. It was opened by R. M. and L.
Lewis Association, land developers.
LIBERTY STREET
Liberty Street was named for American independence. It was accepted by a city
ordinance passed November 1, 1889. Trenton's first Jewish cemetery is located
along Liberty Street.
LINCOLN STREET, see MONROE STREET
LOCUST STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
MARKET STREET
This thoroughfare obtained its name from the Market House, known as the Mill
Hill Market Market House, which once stood in its centre facing Broad Street.
The stretch of this street, from Broad to Warren, runs approximately on a
line with a road that once led to Bloomsbury Court. This road turned to the
left upon reaching the lodge-keeper's house on the Bloomsbury estate and then
continued on a line with what is now Union Street. The Mill Hill Market House
was a notable landmark as the upper story of the structure housed the Mill
Hill Academy. For a few years the building was the headquarters of the Eagle
Volunteer Fire Company.
McKINLEY AVENUE, see MONROE STREET
MERCER STREET
This thoroughfare was named after General Hugh Mercer, of Revolutionary fame,
who was killed at the Battle of Princeton. Trenton's first High School building,
now the William McKinley School, stands along the street.
MEYER STREET
This thoroughfare was named for the late Charles Meyer well-known butcher,
who owned land in the locality.
MICHIGAN AVENUE, see OHIO AVENUE
MIDDLE ROSE STREET, see ROSE STREET
MILL STREET
This street was so-named because it led to a mill along the Delaware. In 1857
it was proposed to name it Jennings Street in honor of Samuel Jennings, second
Governor of West Jersey.
MILLER STREET
Miller Street was named after the Miller family, whose members for many years
were residents of the North Trenton section. Near the point where this street
joins Brunswick Avenue, George J. Miller, one of the best known of the local
oldtime school teachers once conducted a school in a barn-like structure.
Some of Trenton's most prominent citizens were first initiated into the mysteries
of the three R's in that crude building.
MODEL AVENUE
Model Avenue owes its name to the Model School. It was accepted by the city
in 1874. For many years it was a dead-end street.
MONROE STREET
Monroe Street, which was accepted by ordinance passed June 2, 1885, bears
the name of President James Monroe, who as a young man was injured at the
Battle of Trenton. Other streets named after Presidents are McKinley,
Garfield, Harding, Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington,
Jackson and Roosevelt.
MONTGOMERY PLACE
Montgomery Place bears the name of Augustus R. Montgomery, who owned the old
mansion which still stands back from West State Street. The estate once included
considerable land in the locality on which dwellings now stand. The late Patrick
J. Berry, contractor and builder, erected a number of these homes.
MONTGOMERY STREET
Montgomery Street was once known as Quaker Lane. The name of Quaker Lane was
due to the presence of the Friends' Meeting House at the corner of what is
now Hanover and Montgomery Streets. The street is called after Richard Montgomery,
the brave American officer who fell at Quebec. The Friends are still in possession
of the meeting house and the structure and its surrounding grounds provide
one of the interesting historical sites of the city.
MORGAN AVENUE
Morgan Avenue bears the given name of Morgan Beakes, son of Nathan Beakes
and grandson of Morgan Beakes. This thoroughfare runs through land that was
once a part of the Beakes plantation. Morgan Beakes was one of the last members
of the Beakes family to occupy the plantation dwelling. He was one of the
early brickmakers of the North Trenton section which in much later years became
a noted brickmaking centre. It was about 1824 that he made bricks on the plantation
in connection with his usual occupation of farming. He died in the Spring
of 1864, aged 75 years. Morgan Avenue was accepted by ordinance passed June
2, 1885.
MULBERRY STREET
What is now Mulberry Street runs approximately on a line with a road that
once connected the Brunswick Road with Samuel Henry's grist mill which stood
on the site of the Empire Rubber Company factory. For a number of years it
seemed to have no definite name, being referred to at different times as the
Mill Road, the road to the Stille House, Thompson's Lane and Craft's Lane.
These names are, of course, reminiscent of the grist mill, the distillery
that once stood along the canal, and families that once lived in an old-time
dwelling along Brunswick Avenue at the head of the thoroughfare. The present
name of the street is said to have been suggested by the mulberry trees planted
in the locality in the thirties or forties by John Dickinson, who was interested
in silkworm culture which proved to be such a dismal failure in this section
of the country.
MURRAY STREET, see BOUDINOT STREET
NAPTON STREET, see TYRELL AVENUE
NEW ROSE STREET, see ROSE STREET
NEW YORK AVENUE, see OHIO AVENUE
OGDEN STREET
Ogden Street bears the name of Aaron Ogden, who was Governor of New Jersey
from 1803 to 1813. He was a veteran of the Revolution.
OHIO AVENUE
Ohio Avenue was named for the State of Ohio. It divided the tract developed
by the Enterprise Land Company. Other streets bearing the names of States
on this tract are Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and New York Avenues.
OLD ROSE STREET, see ROSE STREET
OLDEN AVENUE
Olden Avenue memorializes the name of Charles S. Olden, who was Governor of
New Jersey in Civil War days. Camp Olden at Trenton, opened during the conflict,
was named for him.
OTT STREET, see TYRELL AVENUE
PARKWAY AVENUE
For many years this thoroughfare was known as the Scotch Road. In early records
it is mentioned as "ye Scotch or Middle Road." It is referred to
in old advertisements as "Scot's Road," in a survey made of the
site of Trenton in 1714, it is shown as a road to the "Scot House."
A portion of the original highway still bears the name of Scotch Road. In
the past year it was proposed to change the name of Parkway Avenue to Washington
Way, memorializing General Washington's march to Trenton.
PASSAIC STREET
This street evidently was named for Passaic County or the City of Passaic.
It was dedicated and accepted by ordinance passed September 1, 1885.
PAUL AVENUE
This street was named for Joseph C. Paul, who at one time owned considerable
land in the locality. The original dwelling of the Paul farm was destroyed
by fire many years ago. The street was accepted by the city in 1889.
PEACE STREET
This street was named for one of Trenton's Colonial families. Joseph Peace
was the owner of a tract of land along the Assunpink Creek and the lowlands
that once existed in the locality of the street were called "Peace's
meadows." Peace purchased this land from James Trent, son of William
Trent, by deed, dated March 10, 1732. Peace Street was so named by ordinance
passed in 1842.
PEAR STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
PENNINGTON AVENUE
This thoroughfare, which bears the name of the town to which it leads, is
mentioned in an early record as the "Penny-town or Hopewell Road."
Part of this highway was also known as "ye Middle or Rodgers Road."
In much later years it became a turnpike. A toll gate, a short distance from
the Five Points, tended by a Mr. Howell, is still fresh in the memories of
members of the older generation. When the city line was extended the gate
was removed to a point near Prospect Street.
PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, see OHIO AVENUE
PERDICARIS PLACE
PerdicarisPlace is named for Gregory A. Perdicaris, a wealthy manufacturer
and land owner. In 1865, when State Street was extended eastward from Clinton
Avenue, it was cut clear through the premises of Mr. Pericardis, who owned
southward nearly if not quite to the Assunpink where the present Pennsylvania
Railroad station now stands. Years ago Harry A. Finch, an architect, recalled
that he was commissioned to supervise the tearing down of the Perdicaris mansion,
a modified Gothic structure which stood directly in the line of the extension.
PERRINE AVENUE
Perrine Avenue, in East Trenton, is named for the famous Perrine family. The
late General Perrine owned a considerable farm beyond the Hargous Tract and
in the '60's he sold it to John Taylor and D. P. Forst. Hence the city has
Perrine Avenue, which marks nearly the south line of the old Perrine farm.
PERRY STREET
In the early days of Trenton there was no Perry Street. The thoroughfare that
now bears that title was opened for public travel in September, 1813, a few
weeks after Commodore Perry won the Battle of Lake Erie, thereby startling
the British as well as the rest of the world with the prowess and bravery
of the American sailors. Today Perry Street is an important artery in the
traffic system of Trenton and forms a much-traveled route to the centre of
the city.
PINE STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
PLUM STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
PRINCETON AVENUE
This thoroughfare, named for the town to which it leads, runs approximately
on a line with Beakes Lane, which in Colonial days ran from the site of the
Battle Monument to the Beakes plantation, about a quarter of a mile north.
Princeton Road was incorporated as a turnpike in 1807 as a direct route to
Princeton. Over it passed several lines of stage coaches. Toll gates were
located at Buckman's Corner, now Harney's Corner, and at The Princessville
Tavern. The name was changed from that of Princeton Turnpike to Princeton
Avenue by city ordinance December 3, 1867.
PROSPECT STREET
Prospect Street, probably the outgrowth of a pretty ramble or lane over the
rise of ground known as Prospect Hill, was once a part of the Rutherford estate,
formerly Belville estate. When the section was open country the hill afforded
a fine prospect of the Delaware. Belville mansion, once the home of several
distinguished families, stood along West State Street, near the head of what
is now Prospect Street. The original tract included the ownership and rights
to a ferry.
QUARRY STREET
This street was named for the quarries that once existed in the locality.
A portion of what is now West Hanover Street once was called Quarry Street.
The name was changed to West Hanover by [END OF TEXT]
QUINTIN PLACE
Quintin Place, which runs from the intersection of Mercer and Livingston Streets
along the southern bank of the Assunpink Creek, evidently bears the name of
Andrew Quintin, founder of the old-time recreation garden, known as Washington
Retreat, which embraced the land in this locality. Andrew Quintin was a brother
of David S. Quintin, who conducted the race course and training stables in
the Villa Park section of the city.
RANDALL AVENUE, see LALOR STREET
RESERVOIR STREET
Reservoir Street was named for the old city reservoir which occupied the tract
now known as the Stadium. In 1857 it was proposed to name this thoroughfare
Brearley Street in honor of Chief Justice Brearley, who lived nearby.
ROOSEVELT STREET, see MONROE STREET
ROSE STREET
The origin of the name of this thoroughfare is obscure. One contention is
to the effect that it bears the name of the flower. This seems to be supported
in part by a younger street, named Violet Street, one block distant. On the
other hand there is a reason to believe that the street was named for Ebenezer
P. Rose, a prominent resident of the town, or members of his family. The original
stretch of Rose Street, the portion running to the junction of the Delaware
& Raritan Canal with the Canal-Feeder, is known as Old Rose. Middle
Rose and New Rose are extensions of Old Rose Street.
ROSSELL STREET
Rossell Street, once a part the old Beakes plantation, was named for General
Zachariah Rossell who married Lydia, daughter of Nathan Beakes, and a great-granddaughter
of Colonel William Trent. It was accepted by ordinance passed June 2, 1855.
General Rossell served in the War of 1812. He died at Trenton, July 21, 1842.
RUSLING STREET
Rusling Street bears the name of one of the early families of Chambersburg.
Gershom Rusling settled in the section about 1845. His sons, General James
F. and William H. Rusling, were the promoters of the Linden Park Land Association,
which embraced a part of Rusling Street, also a part of the development, is
said to have been named for William H. Rusling.
RUTHERFORD AVENUE
This thoroughfare bears the name of the Rutherford family. John Rutherford
for a number of years owned the Belleville estate in the western section of
the city. Rutherford Avenue was accepted by ordinance passed September 1,
1885. It was extended by ordinance passed February 10, 1899.
SANFORD STREET
Sanford Street bears the name of the Sanford family. This thoroughfare, which
runs from Brunswick to Princeton Avenue, was once the northern boundary of
the Chambers tract. It is said that the late John Story Chambers suggested
its name. It was near the northwest corner of the Chambers estate, now the
corner of Sanford Street and Princeton Avenue, that General Washington and
his field staff viewed the Battle of Trenton.
SANHICAN DRIVE
Sanhican Drive perpetuates the name of Sanhican Indians, a branch of the Lenni
Lenapes who lived along the Delaware where Trenton now stands. Their settlement
was also known as Sanhican. Sanhican Creek, formerly the water Power, was
also named after the red men who lived at the Falls of the Delaware. The Sanhicans
were skilled in the making of bead work, feather mantles and pottery. Products
of their labor have been unearthed from time to time in the meadow lands in
Broad Street Park.
SHERMAN AVENUE, see TYRELL AVENUE
SMITH AVENUE, see LALOR STREET
SOUTHARD STREET
This street was named in honor of Samuel L. Southard, who served as Law Reporter,
Prosecutor of the Pleas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, United States
Senator, Secretary of the Navy and Attorney-General of New Jersey. He claimed
Trenton as his residence from 1816 To 1838. The original stretch of Southard
Street, from Ewing to Perry, was deeded to the city in May, 1850 by James
M. Redmond and wife and William P. Sherman and wife. It was plotted in 1849.
SPRING STREET
How Spring Street got its name is a matter that can be explained in two ways.
It may have obtained the appellation from the season of the year or, again,
it may have received it from the springy ground of the vicinity. There are,
by the way, streets for all the seasons - Spring, Summer, Fall and
Winter. Winter, strangely enough, runs from Spring to Summer. Summer
is a small street between Fowler and Calhoun Streets, while Fall Street extends
from Union to the Delaware River.
SPRUCE STREET, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
STANTON STREET
This thoroughfare was named for Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War
under President Lincoln.
STATE STREET
State Street was not the original name of that historic thoroughfare. It was
on August 2, 1847, that an ordinance changed it from Second Street, its original
title. The reason dates back to January 1792, when Joseph Brittain, a local
shoemaker and a man of property, conveyed about three and one-half acres of
land to the State of New Jersey as the site of the Capitol. Two and three-quarters
acres were practically donated, the purchase price being only five shillings.
For the rest of the plot, 67 pounds and 10 shillings were paid. Soon after
William Reeder conveyed to the State one-quarter acre and George Ely a half
acre, the former getting 62 pounds 10 shillings and the latter 120 pounds.
STEAMBOAT STREET
Steamboat Street was probably named for the steamboats on the Delaware. In
1857 it was proposed to change the name to Frelinghuysen Street.
STOCKTON STREET
Stockton Street commemorates the name of the Stockton family and especially
Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The name of Stockton
has long been distinguished in the annals of the country in peace and war,
and the naming of the street serves as a lasting memorial to that noted family.
STUYVESANT AVENUE
This thoroughfare, probably named for Peter Stuyvesant, the last and most
worthy of the Dutch directors of the colony of New Amsterdam, now New York,
was dedicated and accepted by the city by ordinance passed September 1, 1885.
The street was extended by ordinance passed February 10, 1889.
SULLIVAN WAY
Sullivan Way perpetuates the name of General John Sullivan, who commanded
one of the two divisions at the Battle of Trenton.
SUMMER STREET, see SPRING STREET
SWEETS AVENUE
This thoroughfare was named for the Sweet family. Originally the street extended
but a short distance west from Princeton Avenue. It was accepted by ordinance
passed September 2, 1873. By ordinance passed July 20, 1886, it was extended
to Reservoir Street.
SYLVESTER AVENUE
Sylvester Avenue bears the given name of Sylvester Wilson, who lived and owned
land in the locality.
TAYLOR STREET, see TYRELL AVENUE
TRENT STREET
Trent Street, once a part of the old Beakes plantation, bears the name of
the Trent family. Mary Trent, daughter of William Trent, and granddaughter
of Chief Justice William Trent, for whom Trenton is named married Nathan Beakes.
TUCKER STREET
Tucker Street, according to the diary of the late John Napton, was named for
John R. Tucker, who served two terms as Mayor of Trenton. Preparations were
made to open this thoroughfare from the Warren Street end in the Spring of
1847. Tucker Street runs through lands deeded to the city July 29, 1850, by
John Bellerjeau and wife, Daniel Bellerjeau and wife, John Brearley, Eliza
Brearley, A. Brearley, Jane Brearley, William B. Paul and wife, James K. Bellerjeau,
Samuel O. Bellerjeau and George P. Sherman and wife. The street was accepted
by Common Council March 12, 1851. The Bellerjeau family and the Tucker family
were connected by marriage.
TYRELL AVENUE
Family names played an important part in the naming of city streets. Tyrell
Avenue was named for Dr. John Tyrell, an old resident. Napton Street,
in the same neighborhood, was named for a former mayor of Trenton. Ott
Street preserves the name of a manufacturing potter. Taylor Street
is for John Taylor, whose name was also made memorable with the Taylor Opera
House. Hurley Street stands for the late Major Hurley, and Hart
Avenue recalls Dr. John S. Hart, former professor at the State schools
and educator of national reputation. Dickinson Street is for the well-known
family of that name. Sherman Avenue is for William P. Sherman, once
mayor of Trenton and prominent in public affairs in the '50's.
VIRGINIA AVENUE, see LALOR STREET
VROOM STREET
This street perpetuates the name of Governor Peter Dumont Vroom. As Congressman-elect
from New Jersey, he took an active part in the "Broad Seal War."
From 1853 to 1857 he was United States Minister to the Court of Berlin. He
died at his home in Trenton in 1874.
WAINWRIGHT AVENUE
This street was named for George Wainwright, who for many years conducted
a nursery on the tract which the street now divides. Mr. Wainwright was a
native of England. The old homestead still stands at the corner of Wayne and
Princeton Avenues.
WALL STREET
This street probably bears the name of Garret D. Wall, United States Senator
from New Jersey, 1835-41. It is said that it was originally opened by William
White about 1856. It was accepted by the city in 1868.
WALNUT AVENUE, see CHESTNUT AVENUE
WASHINGTON STREET, see MONROE STREET
WARREN STREET
Warren Street, originally known as King Street, perpetuates the name of General
Joseph Warren of Revolutionary fame. It did not take this name at once following
the close of the war as we are generally led to believe. Even as late as 1794,
11 years after the signing of the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, this
thoroughfare was designated in some newspaper advertisements as King Street.
The name "King," however, was not altogether popular for there seems
to have been a movement about the middle of the 1780's when it was referred
to as "the front street" and "the main street." The name,
"Warren" probably did not come into general use until 1799-1800.
WILLOW STREET
Willow Street probably got its name from the possibility of willow trees in
the vicinity of Petty's Run which is in the neighborhood. The connection,
of course, has long since disappeared and the street is a busy thoroughfare
cutting across State Street and providing a route much used by autoists in
order to avoid the centre-city traffic.
WINTER STREET, see SPRING STREET
© 2001 Gary Nigh
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