Dowling Street to be renamed Emancipation Avenue

A sign for Dowling Street hangs over an intersection in the Third Ward of Houston in 2015. (KPRC 2)

HOUSTON – In an unanimous vote Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved changing the name of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue.

The street is located in the heart of Houston's historic Third Ward.

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Texas Rep. Garnet Coleman started the push for the name change over a year ago. He released a statement Wednesday, thanking Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council for the approval.

Dowling Street was originally named East Broadway but was renamed Dowling Street to honor Lt. Dick Dowling, a prominent military leader of the Confederacy. 

The renaming of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue will coincide with the reopening of the renovated Emancipation Park on Juneteenth.


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