Canal Street

Canal Street is a major roadway in Lower Manhattan that runs from East Broadway to West Street, passing through several downtown neighborhoods. The street connects to the Holland Tunnel on the western end and the Manhattan Bridge on the eastern side.

The street was built in 1820 after authorities covered a drainage canal that once carried water away from the polluted Collect Pond. The pond had been fouled by tanneries and other industries and eventually required filling.

The thoroughfare marks the boundaries between multiple districts, including Chinatown, SoHo, Little Italy, and Tribeca, reflecting the diverse heritage of Lower Manhattan.

Several subway lines stop at different points along the street, making it easy to reach from other parts of the city. Many shops sell jewelry, electronics, household items, and clothing at lower prices than in other Manhattan areas.

The Citizens Savings Bank building from the 1920s still stands along the street and shows the architecture of that period. After the September 11 attacks, the street temporarily marked a restricted zone in southern Manhattan.