You’ve probably driven past a sign for Avenue of the States and didn't think twice about it. It sounds like one of those generic, bureaucratic names they slap on a road near a capitol building or a cluster of government offices. Most of the time, that's exactly what it is. But if you find yourself in West Springfield, Massachusetts, or Salem, Oregon, or even certain parts of Pennsylvania, that name actually carries a lot of weight.
It’s not just a street. It’s a physical manifestation of state pride, which, honestly, feels a bit rare these days.
The Big One: West Springfield and the Big E
If you mention Avenue of the States to anyone in New England, they aren't thinking about a map or a highway. They’re thinking about the Eastern States Exposition, better known as "The Big E." This is the only place in the world where you can technically walk through all six New England states in about twenty minutes.
It’s a permanent street located on the fairgrounds. On this specific Avenue of the States, each New England state—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut—owns a piece of land that is legally considered a tiny "embassy" of that state.
Wait, is it actually state-owned land?
Yes. The Massachusetts State Police don't have jurisdiction inside the Maine building; the Maine State Police do. It’s a weird legal quirk that makes this specific Avenue of the States a sovereign patchwork. When you walk down the road, you see these massive, beautiful buildings designed to look like each state's original capitol or a famous historical landmark. For example, the New Hampshire building is a replica of the Old State House in Concord.
People flock here every September. They aren't just looking for fair food, though the Maine baked potato is basically a religious experience for some. They come because this road represents the 1916 vision of Joshua L. Brooks. He wanted to bring all of New England together to show off their agricultural and industrial might.
The architecture is stunning. You have the Vermont building, which feels like a cozy mountain lodge, right next to the Rhode Island building with its coastal vibes. It’s a strange, wonderful time capsule. If you go during the fair, the Avenue of the States is packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people holding cream puffs and state-specific souvenirs. It’s loud, it’s greasy, and it’s quintessentially American.
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Other Versions: The Government Hubs
Now, contrast that with the Avenue of the States in places like Salem, Oregon or Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These are different beasts entirely. They aren't about fairs or baked potatoes. They’re about power.
In Salem, Avenue of the States NE sits right in the heart of the state’s administrative district. You’ve got the Oregon Department of Corrections nearby, along with various state agencies. It’s where the "business" of being a state actually happens. It’s less about the romance of the 1900s and more about the logistics of the 2020s.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania, the name often pops up in business parks or areas designated for state-adjacent commerce. It’s a branding exercise. If you’re a company that wants to do business with the Commonwealth, having an address on Avenue of the States sounds pretty official. It’s basically a gold star on your letterhead.
Why the Name Sticks
Why do we keep naming things this?
Names matter. In the early 20th century, there was a massive movement to professionalize state government and create "Civic Centers." City planners loved these grand, sweeping names. They wanted to evoke a sense of unity. By naming a road Avenue of the States, they were signaling that this wasn't just a local backroad. It was a connection to the broader Union.
It’s about prestige.
Think about the National Mall in D.C. It’s the same energy, just scaled down for the state level. When a developer or a city council picks this name, they are trying to borrow some of that federal gravitas. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it’s just a road with a lot of traffic lights and a DMV.
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The Reality of Navigating These Areas
If you’re planning to visit the "famous" one in Massachusetts, you need to be prepared. It’s not a year-round tourist attraction in the way a museum is. Outside of the Big E dates, the Avenue of the States can feel like a ghost town of empty, majestic buildings.
But during the fair? It’s a logistical nightmare.
- Parking: Forget about it. Use the shuttle lots.
- The Food: Every state building has a "signature" item. Do not miss the Connecticut lobster rolls or the Vermont maple syrup.
- The Law: Remember the "sovereignty" thing. If you lose your wallet in the Maine building, the paperwork might be slightly more annoying than you’d expect.
In the more "business-oriented" versions of the street, like in Oregon, the vibe is totally different. You’re there to get things done. You’ll see people in suits rushing between buildings with lanyards around their necks. It’s the engine room of the state. It’s not "fun," but it is fascinating to see how a state actually functions behind the scenes.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that there is only one Avenue of the States. People often see a photo of the beautiful colonial architecture in West Springfield and then get confused when they GPS the name and end up in an office park in another state.
Context is everything.
Another mistake? Thinking these are just "tourist traps." In the case of the Eastern States Exposition, these buildings are active promotional hubs for state industries. They aren't just facades; they are showcases for timber, dairy, and tech. They are economic development tools disguised as pretty houses.
The Expert Take on Urban Design
Urban planners will tell you that the "Avenue of the States" model is actually a bit dated. Modern planning favors mixed-use spaces rather than these massive, single-purpose administrative or ceremonial zones.
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That’s what makes the survivors so interesting.
The Avenue of the States in West Springfield survives because it’s tied to a massive annual event that generates millions of dollars. The ones in state capitals survive because moving an entire department of state government is a headache nobody wants. They are anchors. They keep the history of the area grounded, even as the world around them changes.
I’ve spent time walking these streets. There’s a certain weight to the air. In the fairground version, it’s the weight of tradition. In the capital version, it’s the weight of bureaucracy. Both are essential parts of the American story.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually going to check one of these out, here is how you do it right.
- Verify the Location. If you want the "Grand New England Experience," you must go to West Springfield, MA, specifically during the last two weeks of September. Any other time, and you're just looking at closed doors.
- Check for Public Events. Often, the state-owned buildings on these avenues host town halls or public forums. In Salem or Harrisburg, these are great ways to see the interior of buildings that are usually closed to the public.
- Architecture Spotting. Bring a camera. The Avenue of the States in the Big E is an architectural masterclass in "Colonial Revival." It’s rare to see these styles perfectly preserved and sitting right next to each other.
- Support Local. The whole point of these avenues—originally, at least—was to promote local state goods. Buy the Vermont cheese. Grab the Oregon-made stationary. It keeps the spirit of the road alive.
The next time you see that green street sign, don't just drive past. Think about whether you're standing in a hub of political power or a historic embassy of state pride. Either way, it’s a lot more than just asphalt and paint. It’s a map of how we see ourselves as a collection of states rather than just one big blob.
To make the most of your trip to the most famous Avenue of the States, check the official Eastern States Exposition calendar at least three months in advance, as hotels in the Springfield area book up almost a year out for the fair season. If you are visiting a government-centric Avenue of the States for business, always check the specific building security protocols on the state’s .gov website, as many now require pre-clearance or specific identification beyond a standard driver's license.