Women Whose Names Built Plattsburgh
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 18
The Family Legacy Behind Catherine, Helen, Elizabeth, Cornelia, Charlotte, Marion & Grace
As the snow begins to melt and you’re driving toward Champlain Centre, you turn off North Catherine Street onto Cornelia Street. You pass Helen Street, sunlight reflecting off the pavement, and you think about what a beautiful North Country Day it is as you continue toward the mall.
But have you ever wondered…
Who were Catherine, Cornelia, Helen, Elizabeth, and the other women whose names are written across the streets of Plattsburgh, New York?
Let’s discover who these women were — and why their names still shape the map of Clinton County today.
Who was Cornelia Street named after in Plattsburgh, NY?
Cornelia Street was named for Cornelia (Jones) Smith, wife of Colonel Melancton Smith, an early Plattsburgh landowner. She died in 1810 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Plattsburgh.
Who was Charlotte Street named after?
Charlotte Street was named for Charlotte, wife of Reverend Hiram Safford. The street was later renamed Peru Street as the road became the main route toward the town of Peru, New York.
Who was Helen Street named after?
Helen Street honors Helen Woodward, daughter of Judge J. Douglas Woodward and former principal of Plattsburgh High School.
Who was Elizabeth Street named after?
Elizabeth Street was named for Elizabeth Gilman, sister of Colonel Melancton Smith and wife of Henry S. Johnson, an early Plattsburgh attorney.
Who was Grace Avenue named after?
Grace Avenue was named for Grace Healey, wife of Samuel Healey, a 20th-century developer in Plattsburgh.
Who was Marion Street named after?
Marion Street was named for the wife of Judge William P. Mooers, a prominent Clinton County legal figure.
Who was Margaret Street named after?
Margaret Street is one of the most important streets in Plattsburgh, and it has been the most difficult to find. So Margaret will continue to be researched.
The Historical Pattern Behind These Street Names
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, landowners subdivided property as Plattsburgh expanded.
Instead of naming streets after themselves, many chose to honor:
Their wives
Their daughters
Their sisters
As a result, the street grid of Plattsburgh reflects family relationships and early land ownership patterns.
These names preserve women’s contributions to local history — even when official records focused primarily on male landowners.
Why Charlotte Street Became Peru Street
Charlotte Street was later renamed Peru Street as the road became the primary route connecting Plattsburgh to the town of Peru, New York.
In the 19th century, practical naming often replaced honorific naming. Roads were renamed based on:
Destination towns
Transportation routes
Commercial clarity
Although the name changed, Charlotte’s place in early Plattsburgh history remains significant.
Why This Matters for Clinton County Genealogy
Street names provide important genealogical clues. They can help researchers trace:
Property ownership
Family connections
Marriage alliances
Early development patterns
Understanding who these women were adds depth to the history of Clinton County, New York.
The next time you drive along Cornelia Street or pass Grace Avenue, remember — these are not just street names. They are preserved fragments of family history.
About the Author
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez is an author, genealogical researcher, historian, and preservation advocate with more than 40 years of experience documenting family histories in Clinton County, New York. She is the founder of Book Serenity, a platform dedicated to genealogy, local history, and educational resources.
Dr. Rodriguez was featured in the television program “Who Do You Think You Are”, highlighting her dedication to ancestral research. She is also the founder of the Clinton Community College Child Care Center. Through her writing and research, she works to preserve regional history and help others trace and protect their family legacy for future generations.
Comments