What’s in a Street Name?

Research does not indicate where the street name “Caroline” came from. Other nearby streets, for instance, took their names from individuals prominent in local affairs. Corcoran Street got its name from William Wilson Corcoran, one of the founders of the Corcoran & Riggs Bank, the predecessor of today’s Riggs Bank. George Washington Riggs, the other founding partner in the Corcoran & Riggs Bank, gave his name to Riggs Street and Place. Wallach Place takes its name from Richard Wallach, the Mayor of Washington, during the Civil War. And Willard Street very likely took its name from Henry Willard, the founder of the Willard Hotel.[1] 

The origin of Caroline Street’s name, however, remains a mystery. Research indicates that Groff’s wife was named Susan. Thus, the street was not named for her. A suggestion that the street might have been named for the wife of a U.S. president from this post-Civil War era (Rutherford B. Hayes, 1877-1881, wife named Lucy; James A. Garfield, 1881, wife named Lucretia; and Chester A. Arthur, 1881-1885, wife named Ellen;) indicates no relationship. Research has not yet revealed whether any of these men had a daughter named Caroline for whom the street may have been named.

Last update 18 May 2004

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