The avenue was originally named Forbes Street or Governor Forbes Street, after William Cameron Forbes, governor-general of the Philippines, under whose administration the road was begun. It was extended south to meet Calle Nagtahan (Nagtahan Street) at the boundary of Sampaloc, San Miguel and Santa Mesa at the old Carriedo Rotonda when the pontoon bridge of Nagtahan that connected it to Pandacan south of the Pasig River was built. Nagtahan Bridge was renamed to Mabini Bridge in 1967,[1] while in 1971, Governor Forbes Street was renamed Arsenio H. Lacson Street after the former Manila mayor who served from 1952 to 1962.[2]
Landmarks
These are ordered from its western end at Yuseco Street to its eastern end at Nagtahan Interchange:
Traffic light intersection. Southwestward goes to Quiapo; Plaza Lawton & Manila City Hall; northeastward goes to Santa Mesa Heights; northbound goes to Balintawak & La Loma districts.
Access to G. Tuazon northbound via u-turn slot under Nagtahan Flyover. Northbound segment goes to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue; southbound segment goes to J. Figueras & Legarda Streets.
Traffic light intersection. Southern terminus. Access to Malacañang Palace & San Miguel district via J.P. Laurel Street; Santa Mesa & Cubao districts via Magsaysay Boulevard; Quiapo & University Belt via Legarda Street, and Paco & Pandacan districts via Nagtahan Street.