D.C. streets, believe it or not, are extremely well organized (for the most part). In each of the 4 quadrants, numbered streets run North to South, lettered streets run East-West and diagonal streets are named after U.S. States. But here are some fun facts you may not have known!
– The letter “J” is omitted simply because it bears too close a resemblance to the letter “I.” “X, Y, and Z” are also missing.
– Once the alphabet is exhausted, it starts over with two syllable names (i.e. Euclid, Fairmont, Harvard, etc.).
– Once the two syllable names are exhausted, then begin three syllable names (in alphabetical order as well) (i.e. Allison, Buchanan, Decatur, etc.).
– Finally, once the three syllable names are exhausted, streets are named alphabetically after plants/flowers (i.e. Aspen, Butternut, Cedar).
Now you’ll never get lost in the city, right??!… All I have to say is, thank goodness for GPS.
