Word Origins - Dead End

As I thought about the words on this sign and whether or not there might be a better term for a street that ends beyond the sign, I decided to take some photos and to try a Google search.  The photo is above, and the results of the Google search follow: 

The term 'dead-end' may have originated during the time of ancient Rome in which streets were planned for defense purposes. If an enemy entered a 'dead-end' street, they would be trapped with no escape, and would be easy targets for defending troops.
No outlet and dead end don't mean the same thing. No outlet means that you can't get back to the main road by continuing in this direction. Dead end means there are no more turns off this road.
The phrase was used in 1886, with respect to closed water pipes, and in 1889 with a sense approximating the ordinary modern use: "G. Findlay Eng. Railway: “This is what is termed a 'dead-end' warehouse .. the wagons come in and go out the same way, and cannot be taken through the warehouse."
I actually found this interesting and not silly.  Is a different term used where you live?