Madison Avenue facts for kids
Madison Avenue is a well-known street in Manhattan, New York City. It runs from Madison Square (at 23rd Street) all the way to the Madison Avenue Bridge (at 138th Street). This long street goes through many famous parts of the city. These include Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and Harlem.
The street is named after Madison Square. Madison Square itself was named after James Madison. He was the fourth President of the United States. Since the 1920s, the name "Madison Avenue" has become famous. It is often used to mean the American advertising industry.
Madison Avenue was not part of New York City's first street plan from 1811. It was created later in 1836. This happened between Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue. A lawyer and real estate developer named Samuel B. Ruggles helped make this happen. He also helped develop other areas like Gramercy Park.
Traffic on Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue is a one-way street for most of its length. Traffic goes uptown, which means northbound. This one-way system started on January 14, 1966. At the same time, Fifth Avenue became a one-way street going downtown (southbound).
In Midtown, some lanes on Madison Avenue are special. During certain hours, only city buses or taxicabs can use them to turn right. For example, between 42nd Street and 59th Street, other vehicles cannot turn right from the bus lane. However, a taxicab with a passenger can use the bus lane to turn right at 46th Street.
Madison Avenue and Advertising
The phrase "Madison Avenue" is often used to talk about the entire advertising business. This connection started because many advertising companies grew quickly along the avenue in the 1920s.
By 1861, there were already twenty advertising agencies in New York City. In 1911, the New York City Association of Advertising Agencies was formed. This shows how important the city was for advertising early on.
The TV show Mad Men is a popular example of this connection. It shows the advertising world on Madison Avenue during the 1960s.
Later in the 20th century, many advertising agencies moved away. Some went further downtown, and others moved west. Today, only a few big agencies are still on Madison Avenue. These include Young & Rubicam and TBWA Worldwide. Even so, the name "Madison Avenue" is still used. It describes the advertising industry as a whole, especially the large agencies based in New York.
Images for kids
-
A New York State appeals court building next to Madison Square Park.
See also
In Spanish: Avenida Madison para niños
