Why New York is called the Big Apple? The Big Apple has a simple answer: apples. The city gets its name from the apple grown in Washington Square Park, then called “New York’s Million-Dollar Block” because it was worth so much at the time.
It’s a widespread belief that the name of New York City comes from its history as a major port for ships to carry apples.
You’ve probably heard it before, the term “Big Apple.”
It’s a widespread belief that the name of New York City comes from its history as a major port for ships to carry apples.
New York was originally called New Amsterdam, but after Peter Stuyvesant’s rule ended in 1664, and the British took control of Manhattan Island, they changed its name to New York. The “big apple” nickname stuck and has been used in sports coverage since the 1920s.
“Big Apple” is an informal term for the city of New York, used by New Yorkers – it refers to the city’s stature, success, and importance in the world.
It’s a slang term. The phrase “Big Apple” refers to the city of New York, used by New Yorkers – it refers to the city’s stature, success, and importance in the world.
It was first used in the 1920s by a horse racing reporter who referred to how well New York City had done during that year’s Belmont Stakes—and it stuck. Since then, over time, it has also come to be associated with other aspects of life in NYC: food (the Big Apple is a famous apple-based candy), sports (it’s well known as the home of both Yankees and Mets baseball teams), entertainment (there are several music festivals held annually at venues throughout Manhattan).
The term “Big Apple” came back in the 1920s when Col. John J. Fitz Gerald, a horse racing reporter for the Morning Telegraph newspaper, used it in his articles about race tracks in and around New York City.
The term “Big Apple” came back in the 1920s when Col. John J. Fitz Gerald, a horse racing reporter for the Morning Telegraph newspaper, used it in his articles about race tracks in and around New York City. In one of his articles from December 12th, 1921, he described Belmont Park as “the big apple.” The name stuck and eventually spread to describe all things related to New York City.
When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense! Why wouldn’t The Big Apple be where everyone wants to be?
He used it to describe any racetrack with a big-time reputation (the big apple) and a track with the most significant purses (money) available to win.
That’s where the “big apple” comes in. The term referred to racetracks with a big-time reputation, like Aqueduct and Belmont Park. In addition, it was also used to describe tracks with large purses (money) available to win—the Meadowlands, for example.
So why is New York called the Big Apple? It all goes back to horse racing—and one man in particular: Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of America’s wealthiest men at the turn of the 20th century.
Vanderbilt had made his money through railroads and shipping companies. Still, he also owned many racehorses and raced them at tracks across North America—including some prestigious ones like
- Saratoga Springs Racetrack & Casino Resort in Saratoga Springs, NY;
- Philadelphia Park Racetrack & Casino Resort in Bensalem Township near Philadelphia;
- Pimlico Race Course & Slots at Baltimore;
- Churchill Downs near Louisville;
- Keeneland Racecourse near Lexington;
- Arlington Park near Chicago;
- Santa Anita Park in Arcadia (Los Angeles County);
- Del Mar Thoroughbred Club near San Diego;
- Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing Track & Casino Resort just north of Las Cruces (Dona Ana County);
- Los Alamitos Thoroughbred Racing Complex is just south of Long Beach.
He used “Big Apple” when referring to New York City.
The phrase “Big Apple” was used as early as 1920, but it wasn’t until 1948 that a horse racing reporter coined it. Before then, people had referred to New York City as “The City.” The reporter said that calling New York a “big apple” would be appropriate because it was a huge and important city that attracted many people worldwide.
The term caught on because it was a catchy way to refer to the city. It also helped that there were several popular songs about New York City in the 1940s and 1950s, including “The Big Apple” by Jimmy Durante and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a fun way to learn more about New York City and its nickname, “the Big Apple,” this article is for you! The Big Apple has been around since the 1930s and has come to be associated with the city in many ways. It refers to its size and importance as an international business center. So get ready for some juicy facts about how this nickname came into being!