Stories behind Hong Kong street names: Russell Street, a.k.a. Rat Street
The shopping street in Causeway Bay fronting Times Square was named after either a judge or an opium trader, and for decades housed a wet market notorious for its rodents, and a tram depot
Russell Street in Causeway Bay is perhaps best known for having been until recently the world’s most expensive retail strip, with shop spaces renting for US$2,800 per square foot per year. But what do we know of its past? And who was it named after?
There’s a bit of dispute surrounding the origins of its name. Some believe it’s named after James Russell, chief justice of Hong Kong from 1888 to 1892, while others, such as Frena Bloomfield – who wrote a book about Hong Kong street names – trace its name back to Russell & Company.
Samuel Russell founded Russell & Company, one of the leading American commercial houses in East Asia in the 19th century. According to a diplomatic historian, Sibing He, the company made handsome profits from dealing in silk and tea, and was also heavily involved in the opium trade.