Would You Recognize These 9 Iconic Streets Way Back When?

A classic sedan has only inches to spare as the driver navigates Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street. More than three hundred years ago, this street was home to hardworking residents: craftsmen, carpenters, and the silversmith, Jeremiah Elfreth, for whom the street was named. The street, and the beautiful Georgian townhomes along this narrow lane, went virtually unnoticed until the 1930s, when Philadelphia began extensive restoration efforts.

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Built in 1825, the Old Absinthe House, a New Orleans landmark, silently awaits the evening's enthusiastic patrons. This is historic Bourbon Street, named after the ruling family of France—the House of Bourbon—in the heart of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter. A fire destroyed many of the buildings in 1788, and the area was rebuilt in Spanish-style architecture, giving the street a distinctive mélange of cultural influences.

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Flamboyance and flair define today’s Bourbon Street. A raucous mix of bars, gentlemen’s clubs, and colorful Cajun restaurants give visitors a sense of Mardi Gras all year long. Multi-level balconies, restored Baroque structures, and blazing neon signs offer an eclectic combination of history and contemporary culture. Visitors can take part in the French Quarters’ endless merrymaking at local establishments, such as Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo.

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Sporting hoop skirts and bonnets, pedestrians on Acorn Street celebrate Old Boston Day in 1925, retracing the footsteps of the city’s earliest residents. Dating to the 18th Century, the lane's modest Greek revival brick buildings once served as residences to coachmen who worked for wealthy families that lived in mansions elsewhere in Beacon Hill’s historic neighborhood. The cobblestone lane, barely two-cows-wide, was a bumpy ride for wagons and new-fangled horseless carriages.

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One of the few remaining streets paved with true cobblestones, today, Acorn Street is considered one of the “most photographed streets in the U.S.” Fully restored brick townhouses, complete with picturesque window boxes, operable shutters, and gaslights tucked tightly against brick walls, transport visitors to an earlier time. Working-class blokes no longer live here. A restored Acorn Street townhouse can set you back two million dollars, or more.

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In the 1930s, Pennsylvania Avenue was already renowned as the street that connected the Capitol building and the White House. Constructed during the founding of the nation, and nicknamed the “Grand Avenue” by George Washington, the street was often ridiculed as being too wide. To keep the dust down, it was first paved with cobblestones, then wood, and then Belgian blocks before finally being paved with asphalt in 1876.

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Pennsylvania Avenue lights up the night with automobile traffic. A whopping eight lanes keeps traffic moving, thanks to the street designer's prudent planning. The avenue runs nearly 6 miles, but the most famous part, the 1.2 miles between the White House and the Capitol, often set the stage today for marches and protests. Stately buildings, replete with massive Greek columns, dominate the impressive route.

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In 1899, the wedge-shaped Ferdinand Building, constructed in the late 1800s, dominated the junction of Washington and Warren streets in the quickly-changing city of Boston. Trolley tracks crisscrossed the brick-paved street, challenging horses and buggies, and offering residents an alternative method of commuting. In the 1800s, the route was populated with taverns, tailors, riding schools, and even a clairvoyant or two.

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As a result of two and three centuries of solid construction practices, and due to faithful restoration efforts, you can still see many of the historic buildings that were built on Washington Street in its earlier days. The old Ferdinand building, now a Walgreens, is just one of the notable structures that remain. Others include the Old State House, circa 1713, the Old Corner Bookstore, erected in 1712, and the Paramount Theater that still boasts its 1930’s Art Deco style.

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Although much has changed in New Orleans, Royal Street still caters to those who enjoy the finer things in life. Rare antique dealers, jewelers, and stylish art galleries along the lane cater to the high-end shopper, and luxury hotels abound. Visitors to Royal Street should wear their walking shoes, as parts of the street close to traffic during the afternoons to allow street performers and jazz bands to entertain pedestrians.

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