List of U.S. cities named after their state facts for kids
Have you ever noticed how some cities in the United States share their names with the state they are in? It's like a city called "New York City" in the state of "New York"! This article explores these interesting places. It lists cities and towns across the U.S. that are named directly after their home state. Some of these places are still busy cities today. Others are historical spots, or even ghost towns, which means they are no longer active communities.
U.S. Cities Named After Their States
Why Cities Get State Names
Cities often get their names for many reasons. Sometimes, they are named after important people or local landmarks. Other times, they are named to honor the state itself. This can happen when a new settlement is founded and people want to show pride in their state. It also helps to clearly identify where the city is located.
Naming a city after its state is a unique tradition. It highlights the close connection between the place and the larger region. These names remind us of the history and geography of the United States.
A Full List of State-Named Places
Below is a list of cities and census-designated areas in the U.S. that are named after their state. Some of these places are still active cities. Others are historical sites or former communities. Places marked with an asterisk (*) are no longer functioning cities. This means they might be ghost towns or have become part of a larger city.
- Alabama City, Alabama* (This historic place is now part of Gadsden, Alabama.)
- Arizona City, Arizona
- Arkansas City, Arkansas
- California City, California
- Colorado City, Colorado
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Delaware City, Delaware
- Florida City, Florida
- Idaho City, Idaho
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Illinois City, Illinois
- Illiopolis, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana (This city's name means "Indiana city".)
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Jersey City, New Jersey (This city is named after the "New Jersey" state.)
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Maryland City, Maryland
- Minnesota City, Minnesota
- Mississippi City, Mississippi* (This former city is now part of Gulfport, Mississippi.)
- Missouri City, Missouri
- Montana City, Montana
- Nebraska City, Nebraska
- Nevada City, Nevada*
- Adaven, Nevada* (This unique name is "Nevada" spelled backwards!)
- New York Mills, New York
- New York City, New York
- Ohio City, Ohio
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Oregon City, Oregon
- Tennessee City, Tennessee* (This historic community is now part of Dickson, Tennessee.)
- Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee
- Texas City, Texas
- Virginia City, Virginia* (This historical site is now part of St. Paul, Virginia.)
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
