Why Massachusetts Street? A Little History Behind the Address

We drive them many days, give directions by them and write them on envelopes. But have you ever wondered how Lawrence’s streets got their names?

Massachusetts Street offers a clue to the city’s beginnings. Lawrence was founded in 1854 by settlers supported by the New England Emigrant Aid Company, which helped bring Free-State settlers to Kansas Territory. The name honored Massachusetts, home to many of the people behind that effort. Lawrence itself was named for Amos A. Lawrence, a Massachusetts businessman who supported the cause.

That state theme extends well beyond downtown. Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and other familiar street names turn a trip across older Lawrence into something of a geography lesson.

There’s another historical layer hiding in our addresses. Many numbered streets originally had names. What we now call Sixth Street was once Pinckney, Seventh was Winthrop and Eighth was Henry. Some of those older names live on elsewhere in the community.

Next time you’re walking down Mass or turning onto a familiar side street, take a moment to consider the name on the sign. In Lawrence, even an ordinary address can tell a little of the city’s story.