Streetscapes in historic districts are often redesigned without recognition of the unique historic features—such as pavement, street trees, and lighting—that defined the street during the period of significance. In many communities, after detailed preservation goals for historic architecture have been established, inappropriate lighting, decorative pavement, and flowering trees are randomly selected to ‘beautify’ the street. This introduction to the history of the American streetscape presents strategies to design attractive streets that are historically appropriate.