Why is New York City Called the “Big Apple”? The Surprising History Behind the Nickname
The Quick Answer: Where did the name come from?
Contrary to popular belief, the “Big Apple” has nothing to do with fruit orchards or a specific tree. The nickname was popularized in the 1920s by John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph, who heard African-American stable hands in New Orleans refer to New York City’s prestigious horse racing tracks as the “Big Apple.” To them, it represented the ultimate goal—the biggest “prize” in the industry.
The Evolution of a Global Icon
While New York has many aliases—The City That Never Sleeps, Gotham, and The Empire City—none have stuck quite like the Big Apple. Here is how the name traveled from the race track to the world stage.
1. The Horse Racing Era (1920s)
In the 1920s, horse racing was the most popular sport in America. Fitz Gerald began his column with the header “The Big Apple,” explaining that every jockey and trainer dreamed of making it to the New York circuit. In the racing world, an “apple” was a metaphor for a prize, and New York was the biggest prize of all.
2. The Jazz Age (1930s & 40s)
The term soon migrated from the stables to the stage. Jazz musicians in Harlem and Manhattan began using the phrase to describe the city’s music scene. There was an old saying among performers: “There are many apples on the tree, but when you pick New York City, you pick the Big Apple.” If you played the Big Apple, you had reached the pinnacle of your career.
3. The Tourism Campaign (1970s)
The nickname we know today was officially cemented in 1971 by Charles Gillett, president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau. During a time when the city was struggling with a negative reputation, Gillett launched a marketing campaign using a bright red apple to signify a “clean and delicious” destination. The campaign was a massive success, and the nickname became a permanent part of the city’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: NYC Nicknames
Was New York ever actually famous for apples? Not specifically. While New York State is a major apple producer today, the city itself was never a primary orchard hub. The name remains purely symbolic of opportunity and reward.
Who is credited with discovering the true origin of the name? For years, the origin was a mystery. We owe much of our current understanding to the research efforts of etymologists and institutions like the New York Public Library, which helped trace the “Fitz Gerald” racing connection.
Where can I find “Big Apple” landmarks in NYC? At the corner of West 54th Street and Broadway, you will find “Big Apple Corner,” officially named in 1997 to honor John J. Fitz Gerald, the man who started it all.
The VisitNewYork.com Insider Tip
“Today, the ‘Big Apple’ represents the limitless energy and opportunity of the five boroughs. Whether you are here for a Broadway show or a walk through Central Park, you are participating in a legacy of greatness that started over a century ago. For more history and travel tips, visit us atVisitNewYork.com.”