Worth Street: A History of New York City's Evolving Landscape
Worth Street serves as a fascinating window into the urban evolution of Lower Manhattan. From its origins as a modest path near the infamous Five Points intersection to its current role in the city's grid, the street's transformations mirror the growth and changing identity of New York City over two centuries.
The Early Years: From Anthony to Catherine Street
The road now known as Worth Street began its life as Anthony Street, originating at the Five Points intersection and extending westward. In 1797, the street was renamed Catherine Street. Interestingly, this was one of several streets sharing the name Catherine at the time, distinct from the Catherine Street that still exists to the southeast and another located further north.
Originally, the street stretched from Hudson Street to the western bank of the Collect Pond, a body of water that once dominated the area. While the main thoroughfare changed, Catherine Lane—which ran parallel to the north—survives today as an alleyway situated between Broadway and Lafayette Street.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Urban Expansion and Renaming
As New York City grew, so did its infrastructure. An 1807 map reveals that the Collect Pond had been filled in, allowing Anthony Street to extend to a short, unlabeled street where Centre Street is currently located. Following the 1811 Commissioners' Plan, the street was further extended to Orange Street (which was later renamed Baxter Street). This extension effectively bisected the northeast corner of the Five Points intersection, completing the "fifth point" of the junction.
In 1854, the street was renamed Worth Street to honor Major-general William J. Worth, a celebrated hero of the 1848 Mexican War. General Worth is buried two miles north of the street in Worth Square, located at the north end of Madison Square near 26th Street. By 1868, the city had opened the section of the street extending from Five Points east to Chatham Square.
Modern History and Significant Events
In more recent history, Worth Street has been the site of globally significant moments and local tragedies. On September 11, 2001, photographer Jules Naudet was positioned at the corner of Worth Street and Broadway when he captured the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
More recently, on February 5, 2016, a construction accident occurred at 60 Hudson Street. A crane collapsed on Worth Street, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two other individuals.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Anthony Street.
- Second Name: Catherine Street (renamed in 1797).
- Current Name: Worth Street (renamed in 1854).
- Namesake: Major-general William J. Worth, a hero of the Mexican War.
- Geographic Landmark: Originally ended at the Collect Pond before it was filled.
- Key Intersection: Formed the "fifth point" of the Five Points intersection.
| Year/Period | Event/Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1797 | Known as Anthony Street | Started at Five Points, headed west. |
| 1797 | Renamed Catherine Street | One of several streets with this name. |
| 1807 | Collect Pond filled | Street extended toward current Centre Street. |
| Post-1811 | Extended to Orange Street | Completed the "fifth point" of the intersection. |
| 1854 | Renamed Worth Street | Honoring Major-general William J. Worth. |
| 1868 | Eastern expansion | Opened from Five Points to Chatham Square. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Worth Street named after?
The street was renamed in 1854 in honor of Major-general William J. Worth, who was a hero of the 1848 Mexican War.
What was the street called before it was Worth Street?
It was originally known as Anthony Street and was later renamed Catherine Street in 1797 before finally becoming Worth Street.
What is the significance of the "fifth point" mentioned in its history?
By extending Anthony Street to Orange Street (now Baxter Street), the city bisected the northeast corner of the Five Points intersection, creating the fifth point of that famous junction.
What happened at the corner of Worth Street and Broadway on September 11, 2001?
Jules Naudet captured the footage of American Airlines Flight 11 hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center from this location.
Where is Major-general William J. Worth buried?
He is buried in Worth Square, which is located at the north end of Madison Square near 26th Street, approximately two miles north of Worth Street.