City "Firsts"

Trying to find the first incorporated city in your state?  Ever wondered which city was the first in the country to install parking meters or which city is home to the nation’s first hospital?  Check out this list of city “firsts” and see if your city is part of American history!

 Example: Boston Common was America’s first public park, built in 1634.

People and Cities 

Many famous American leaders got their start as an elected official in a city or town.  Find out if your city or town is responsible for a” homegrown” leader!

Example: Sharon Pratt Dixon Kelly was the first African American woman of a major city, as mayor of Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 1995.

Over the years, cities and towns have earned nicknames, but none are as unique and fascinating as a “Capital of the World” distinction.  Find out of your city is known as the “Capital of the World” for a specific food, industry, object, or animal!

Example: Berrien Springs, Mich., is known as the Christmas Pickle Capital of the World.

Songs About Cities

Songwriters often write songs commemorating their favorite city or hometown.  They’ve sung about cities from coast to coast – from Baltimore and Bakersfield, to Missoula and Miami.  Some songs have even made their way into Broadway musicals!  Find out if a songwriter has memorialized your city or town in a song.

Example: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” – Tony Bennett
Example: “Gary, Indiana” – The Music Man

Sister Cities International represents nearly 2,000 partnerships between United States communities and communities abroad.  Look to see if your community is among one of the many cities and towns engaging in citizen diplomacy.

Example: Cody, Wyo., and Warwick, RI, are the only cities with Sister Cities in their respective states.

Some city facts are just too unique to categorize!  Find even more fun facts about America’s cities and towns.

Example: Volleyball was invented in Holyoke, Mass., in 1895.