Why So Wide - Liberty Street

This of photo of Liberty Street looking west from Walnut Street in 1955 was recently posted on Facebook.

Here is the same view today.

Google Streetview

This big difference got me wondering when and why Liberty Street was widened. The great people at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County sent me many articles which helped to explain. But let's step back in time to find out how Liberty Street got its name.

When Cincinnati was incorporated in 1819, the northern edge of the city stopped at Liberty Street, then called Northern Row. Anything north of this line was not subject to the city laws, and became known as the Northern Liberties, where saloons, gambling and other institutions, such as Catholics (just as Brother Tim of St. Francis Seraph), found their freedom.

1838 Gest & Haviland Map

By 1838, Northern Row/Liberty Street (both names appear on the map above) ran from Freeman Avenue to Highland Avenue. Already this road was an important west to east thoroughfare.

In 1869, the street now ran from the Mill Creek to Highland Avenue, but a bridge over the creek was not constructed until 1891, after over 14 years of discussions. At the time, it was the largest bridge constructed by the county at the expense of $135,000 ($3,397,058 in 2012 dollars with inflation).

Cincinnati Enquirer; Oct 14, 1891; pg. 4

However the viaduct was only wide enough for wagon and foot traffic. Just two years later, complaints were lodged that the bridge was not able to accommodate streetcars, poorly maintained and unsafe. By 1908, calls were made for a new bridge but repairs were made instead. It is unclear from my research that photo below from 1927 is the same bridge. The bridge was demolished before 1949, possibly around 1929 with the increased rail traffic from Union Terminal.

Looking west over the Liberty Street Viaduct. Source
It was removed in 1929.

1929; Liberty Street looking west from Highland Avenue - Source

Liberty Street began most of its widening projects starting in 1937, when the automobile began its rise as a preferred method of transportation. The street was recognized as a direct route to Cincinnati Ball Park (not yet called Crosley Field). It was noted that Liberty Street was already being widened between John and Linn Streets with the construction of the Laurel Homes project. (Cincinnati Times-Star, 9/1/1937)

In 1942, maps were drawn to allow Liberty Street to become a six-lane road of 84 to 91 feet between John Street and Broadway however action was not taken until 14 years later.

Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/14/1956, pg. 1

In the map below, you can see where the old properties were located that were purchased and demolished to make room for this wider road, constructed at 70 feet. It took over 4 years for the project to be completed. It was noted in an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer on February 6, 1958 that Liberty Street was an important connector between the Millcreek Expressway (I-75) and the Northeast Expressway (I-71).

2014 CAGIS Map between Vine and Sycamore - Source
You can see the red outlines of the parcels demolished on the south side to make way for the wider Liberty Street. This occurred along the length of the whole street.

Liberty Street at center. Aerial comparision from rail yard to Sycamore Street
Top, 1949, Source mgsmith Flickr
Bottom - 2014 CAGIS

In 1968, complaints were lodged by residents of the Pendleton area, when Liberty was straightened in order to connect to Reading Road. Many north bound streets were blocked off between Sycamore and Reading Roads, leaving the neighborhood feeling disconnected and Liberty Street unsafe for school children to cross. Their pleas fell on deaf ears.

2014 CAGIS Map between Sycamore and Reading. Lower map shows the parcel outlines.
The following streets were disconnected
Cogswell Alley, Mansfield Street, Bunker Alley, Broadway, Spring Street (cut short), Pendleton Street, Dandridge Street, and Artist Alley

Liberty Street at center. Aerial comparison from John Street to Reading Road
Top - 1949; Bottom - 2004; Source mgsmith Flickr

As reported by Building Cincinnati, Liberty Street is now under consideration for a "road diet" which would reduce the with of the road. This would allow the northern and southern sections of Over-the-Rhine to feel connected once again, improve the streetscapes and add bike lanes. Everything old is new again!