QUESTION #1: In Texas they say “HEW-ston,” but here in New York we say “HOW-ston.” Why do New Yorkers pronounce “Houston Street” the way that they do?
That’s because the Texas city was named after the legendary Texan Sam Houston when it was founded in 1836. Houston was variously President of the Republic of Texas, U.S. Senator, and governor of Texas. As governor, Houston refused to back the state’s secession from the Union and was evicted from office.
The Manhattan street, however, is named after someone else: William Houstoun, who was actually a native of Georgia, who represented that state in the Continental Congress from 1783 through 1786. Houstoun is buried down at St. Paul’s Chapel in lower Manhattan, which happens to be the oldest surviving church building in the city. I’m not sure when the misspelling crept in: the last known correct spelling was recorded on the famous Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, which laid out the Manhattan grid for the first time. There’s a brief history of the street here at the Park Department’s website.
We had 18 entries in the contest, all with correct answers. This week’s winner is Daniella Lavian. Congratulations! Your prize will be a $25 gift card from a local merchant. (You’ll have a choice when they arrive later this week.)
Check THE COMMON ROOM for a new question on Sunday! And, yes, you can try to find the answers online. Sometimes you’ll be able to; sometimes you won’t!