Where's It From Wed: Castro Street

What pops into your head when I say, “Castro Street?” I bet it wasn’t a governor from the 1800's. This week, we answer question, “The Castro Street name…WHERE’S IT FROM???”

Yes, The Castro is probably one of the most well known streets and district worldwide. However, it’s not known for the man the street is named for. Castro Street, at least in my lifetime (and sometime before) has been a haven for the Gay Community. An all inclusive neighborhood that gave gay men and women a place they could be themselves…and it used to hold one hell of a Halloween Party.

So, where did the Castro name come from?

José Antonio Castro. José Castro (1808-1860) was the governor of Alta California, "founded in 1769 by Gaspar de Portolá, was a polity of New Spain and after the Mexican War of Independence in 1822, a territory of Mexico" (Wikipedia)

I wonder if José had any idea what his name would come to represent. That being said, I don't know about you, but I think José's mustache looks pretty FAAAAAABULOUS!!!!