Rue Abraham Lincoln

Hidden in plain sight, Rue Abraham Lincoln whispers tales of a transatlantic tribute. This Parisian street, nestled near the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement, bears the name of America’s 16th president. Rue Abraham Lincoln isn’t just a street; it’s a story of commemoration, a nod to a fallen leader, and a testament to Franco-American relations. Originally named Rue d’Albe after the Duchess of Alba, the street’s name changed in 1861, shortly after Lincoln’s assassination. The choice of Lincoln’s name was no accident. The Champs-Élysées area was a favored haunt of Americans in Paris. Naming a street after the recently martyred president was a gesture of solidarity, a way to honor a man whose ideals resonated across the ocean. Rue Abraham Lincoln also echoes the history of the land it occupies. Once part of sprawling gardens owned by figures like the Marquise de Marbeuf and later, Émile de Girardin, the area transformed with the city. The street itself emerged from the grounds where the Hôtel d’Albe once stood. This hotel, once home to the ailing Duchess d’Albe, was demolished by Empress Eugénie after the duchess’s death in 1860. A year later, Rue d’Albe came into existence, soon to be renamed Rue Abraham Lincoln. Today, Rue Abraham Lincoln houses more than just residences. In 1935, the photographer Lucien Lorelle established a studio at number 14, creating iconic advertising posters with Cassandre. Number 14 also housed the Cinéma Lincoln, a three-screen theater that opened in 1969. This seemingly unassuming street thus holds layers of history, from aristocratic gardens and grand hotels to artistic endeavors and cinematic experiences, all interwoven with the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.