Paraphrased from Thomas F. Mustian’s “Facts and Legends of Richmond Area Streets” (I think I have a second printing):
Albemarle Street was named for William Anne Keppel, second Earl of Albemarle and Governor General of the colony from 1737 to 1754.
Belvidere Street took its name from home of William Byrd III on the crest of what is now Oregon Hill. Originally, part was traversed by railway trackage.
Cary Street was originally laid out by planners to be called “C” Street according to the alphabet being third in order from the North side of the James (River). It was changed later to be called Cary Street in honor of the many Cary’s that held historic bearing in the early beginning of the City- probably Archibald Cary.
Cherry Street is one of the early streets of Oregon Hill named after the fruit tree.
China Street is named after the Chinaberry tree.
Church Street (no longer exists, was east of Belvidere) was located in the Oregon Hill area and for the short distance it covered there were located several churches.
Cumberland Street is named after the Duke of Cumberland, the third son of King George II.
Holly Street was named by developer Ben J. Harris for the trees grown there.
Idlewood Avenue was originally called Beverley Street. It was changed to be compatible with the Avenue of access to the Idlewood Amusement Park and located near the newly formed Byrd Park.
Main Street is the industrial and commercially centered early street, that in it’s beginning only ran from 18th Street to 25th Street.
Pine Street was named as was popular then for the Pine Trees.
Rowe Street (no longer exists, was east of Belvidere) was named after a Millwright who was the builder.
The following were not included in the book:
Beach Street (no longer exists, was just west of Linden Street)
Green Alley was named for was named after Ben Green who was involved in a
fairly high-profile, alleged bank embezzlement case around the mid-1800’s. More importantly, at
least as far as Oregon Hill residents should be concerned, is that Green was
the architect of the first row houses in the neighborhood.
Laurel Street was most likely named for the trees that grew there.
Linden Street was most likely named for the linden trees that grew there.
I am looking for more information on the following:
Beach Street (no longer exists, was just west of Linden Street)
Harrison Street (I am guessing was named after President William Henry Harrison, but I would appreciate it if someone could confirm)
Howard Street (no longer exists, was east of Belvidere)
Howe Street (no longer exists, was east of Belvidere)
Maiden Lane (no longer exists, was east of Belvidere)
Spring Street ( I assume there was a water spring involved.)
