The avenue's first block dates back to before the 17th century, formerly a street known as Sirena after a restaurant known by the same name due its distinctive figure.[2] Said name survived until 1945, when the Paseo de la República and Bolivia avenues were formed and extended respectively,[2] and the avenue—now named after the U.S. President—was formally inaugurated by Councilor Max Arnillas Arana, who gave a speech at the inauguration ceremony on behalf of the Municipality of Lima.[1]
Peruvian historian Luis A. Eguiguren claims that during the Spanish era, there was a well-known prostitute known as "the Serpent" (Spanish: La culebra), who would let male passers-by know when they had caught her attention. He also claims that another name that the street once had was Five Corners (Spanish: Cinco Esquinas)—not to be confused with the neighbourhood of the same name—after the five corners formed by the intersection of Sirena, Calonge and Cascajal streets.[2]
During the 2023 Peruvian protests, the avenue was one of many locations where protestors marched through the streets, with rioting and arrests taking place there.[4][5]
