New York City, a global hub of culture, finance, and innovation, is affectionately known as the “Big Apple.” While New York State is indeed a major apple producer, ranking second in the United States after Washington, the city’s famous moniker has surprisingly little to do with orchards or fruit stands. The story of how New York City became the Big Apple is a fascinating journey through horseracing, jazz music, and a clever tourism campaign.
The Horse Racing Origins of “The Big Apple”
The nickname “Big Apple” first gained traction in the 1920s within the world of horseracing. John Fitz Gerald, a sports reporter for the New York Morning Telegraph, played a pivotal role in popularizing the term. Fitz Gerald, who covered horse racing, overheard African American stable hands in New Orleans using the phrase “the big apple” when referring to New York City. For these stable workers, New York City represented the ultimate destination, the major leagues of horseracing, where the stakes and the prestige were highest. They were heading to “the big apple” to pursue their dreams in the most significant racing venues.
Intrigued by this colorful expression, Fitz Gerald began incorporating “Big Apple” into his racing columns. By frequently using the term, he introduced it to a wider audience and started to associate it with New York City in the public consciousness. His sports reporting became a key factor in the early dissemination of the nickname.
Jazz Musicians Embrace the Big Apple
In the 1930s, “The Big Apple” found a new wave of enthusiasts within the vibrant jazz music scene. Jazz musicians adopted the term to signify New York City as the epicenter of their musical world. Just as it was the big leagues for horseracing, New York City, with its legendary clubs and venues, was the ultimate destination for jazz musicians seeking fame and recognition. To play in New York City, “the Big Apple,” meant you had reached the pinnacle of the jazz world.
Reviving the Nickname: A 1970s Tourism Campaign
Over time, the “Big Apple” nickname faded from widespread use. However, it experienced a remarkable resurgence in the early 1970s, thanks to a strategic tourism campaign aimed at revitalizing New York City’s image. During this period, New York City was grappling with economic difficulties and a rising crime rate. City officials sought to boost tourism and restore the city’s appeal.
Charles Gillett, the president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, spearheaded this image makeover. A jazz aficionado, Gillett was aware of the “Big Apple’s” historical association with prestige and excitement. He recognized the potential of reviving this catchy nickname to create a positive and memorable brand for the city.
The tourism campaign launched with the “Big Apple” slogan was a resounding success. Promotional materials, including buttons, t-shirts, and advertisements featuring bright red apples, flooded the city and beyond. Tourists were encouraged to “take a bite out of the Big Apple,” and the playful, inviting message resonated widely. This time, the nickname firmly stuck, becoming an enduring symbol of New York City.
From New Orange to the Big Apple
Interestingly, New York City has had other names throughout its history. For a brief period in 1673, the city was actually known as New Orange. The Dutch, having captured New York from the English, renamed it New Orange in honor of William III of Orange. However, English control was restored the following year, and the city reverted to its original name, New York. While “New Orange” was a fleeting historical footnote, “The Big Apple” has proven to be a much more enduring and beloved nickname, forever linked to the vibrant energy and aspirational spirit of New York City.
In conclusion, the story of why New York City is called the Big Apple is a captivating tale that weaves through different eras and cultural spheres. From its humble beginnings in horseracing slang to its adoption by jazz musicians and its triumphant revival in a tourism campaign, the Big Apple nickname reflects New York City’s enduring allure as a place of dreams, opportunity, and excitement.
