Why is there no fourth Avenue in Manhattan?

Answer 1

There is a 4th Avenue in Manhattan. It is a very short avenue, however: only 6 blocks long. It runs from Astor Place/Cooper Square (East 8th Street) to Union Square (East 14th Street).

Fourth Avenue is actually one of the oldest avenues in Manhattan. It even predates the grid pattern that the rest of the city is laid out on. It is a remnant of the old Bowery Road, a colonial path that was first laid out by the Native Americans.

Fourth Avenue actually follows the same path as Park Avenue and the Bowery. In fact, at one time, 4th Avenue stretched all the way Uptown to the Harlem River. However, it was renamed Park Avenue, gradually, section by section, until 4th Avenue finally became only 6 blocks long.

For more information about 4th Avenue, see the Related Link below.