6 American Cities That Were Almost Named Something Completely Different

Did you know that there are several American cities that were almost named something else? Maps could have looked incredibly different. And while most would assume that the names we see today are just inevitable, that’s not really the case. Keep reading to learn about the American cities that were almost named something different.

6. Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ original name was a lengthy one: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula. And if the name stuck around longer, it would have been referred to as Porciuncula. However, it later got shortened to just Los Angeles, keeping it easy and simple. However, the longer title is still referenced throughout the city.

5. Miami

The Florida city was almost called Flagler, interestingly enough, due to the influence of Henry Flagler, who played a crucial role in the development of the city. For instance, his railroad and the opening of his hotel in 1897 attracted visitors. However, when it was proposed to name the city after himself, he declined, wanting to focus more on his railroad’s expansion towards Key West.

4. Houston

Texas is a proud state, and Houston is one of those cities that show their love. But believe it or not, this is one of the many American cities that were almost named something different. The city was founded by John Richardson Harris in 1826, which meant that it was almost called Harrisburg. However, when it was suggested to name it after Sam Houston, tying it to a hero of independence, it quickly became a favorite.

3. Chicago

Fort Dearborn was almost the name given to the windy city instead of Chicago; however, the former has a daunting history. Fort Dearborn sits at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue by the shore of Lake Michigan. And unfortunately, that was the site where the Fort Dearborn Massacre occurred in 1812, just over a month after the War of 1812 started.

2. Phoenix

Another one of the many American cities that were almost named something different is Phoenix, which was almost named Stonewall, after Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. There were other names that were mulled over, including Pumpkinville and Salina; however, Phoenix was the favored vote due to the myth surrounding the fictional bird, symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

1. New York

One of the most iconic American cities in the world, New York, was almost named something different. In 1673, New York was almost named New Orange, strangely enough, when it was captured by the Dutch during the Third Anglo-Dutch War. The city, then known as New Amsterdam, was renamed after William III of Orange; however, the change only lasted a year before the English reclaimed it in 1674.