The Shortest Street in America

Last updated: July 15, 2023

In a recent visit to Bellefontaine, Ohio, my husband and I stood at the top of Ohio’s highest point and on the oldest concrete street in America.

Additionally, the city is home to the shortest street, McKinley Street. An unassuming road along Bellefontaine’s railway tracks happens to qualify as the shortest street in the United States.

Locals named the street after United States President William McKinley, who was born in Ohio. The City of Bellefontaine’s website places the length of McKinley Street at 20 feet, and cites McKinley Street as “the shortest street in America”.

It was once believed to be the shortest street in the world and had a sign that boasted just that. In 2006, the Guinness Book of Records established Ebenezer Place – Wick, Scotland as the official holder of the worlds shortest street title. At only 6 ft. 9 in., it is significantly shorter than McKinley Street.

The McKinley Street sign was only outdated for 13 years. In 2019, it was finally changed to reflect “America” instead of “the World” and it now correctly reflects the current title. I’m guessing someone really didn’t want to give up that world title…