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Top 10 American Cities With Surprising Histories
While many American cities are known for their prominent historical events, some harbor fascinating and unexpected stories that often go untold. From hidden underground networks to bizarre local laws and remarkable origin stories, these ten cities showcase the diverse and sometimes peculiar nature of American history.
1. Portland, Maine
Before becoming the charming coastal city known today, Portland was destroyed and rebuilt four times throughout its history. First by Native American attacks in the 1670s, then by British forces in 1775, followed by a devastating fire in 1866, and finally by another significant fire in 1976. The city’s resilience earned it the phoenix as its symbol, representing its ability to rise from the ashes repeatedly.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Originally designed around a unique grid system of squares and parks, Savannah was America’s first planned city. What’s more surprising is that it was established as a “dry” colony where alcohol, slavery, and lawyers were initially forbidden. The city was also built on top of numerous burial grounds, with many buildings constructed directly over graves, leading to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s current street level sits one to two stories higher than the original city. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, city planners decided to raise the street level rather than rebuild at the original elevation. This created an underground city that still exists today, complete with preserved storefronts and sidewalks that once served as the main thoroughfare of the city.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
Contrary to popular belief, St. Augustine, not Jamestown, is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the city predates the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock by 55 years. The city also served as a crucial strategic point during the Spanish Inquisition in the New World.
5. Salem, Massachusetts
While famous for its witch trials, Salem’s more surprising history involves its maritime trade. The city was once one of the wealthiest ports in America, with trade routes extending to China and India. This prosperity led to Salem becoming the birthplace of the National Guard and home to America’s first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Beyond its French heritage, New Orleans was actually under Spanish control for 40 years (1763-1803). During this period, two great fires destroyed much of the French architecture, leading to the Spanish colonial style that now characterizes the French Quarter. The city also operated under a unique three-tiered racial social structure that was unlike anywhere else in America.
7. Sacramento, California
Before becoming California’s capital, Sacramento was home to the Pony Express terminus and was nearly destroyed by flooding in 1862. The entire city was raised 10-15 feet above the original ground level to prevent future flooding, creating an underground network of passages and abandoned storefronts similar to Seattle’s underground city.
8. Richmond, Virginia
While known as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, Richmond’s more surprising history involves its role in early American industrialization. It was home to the first electric streetcar system in the world and the first cigarette rolling machine. The city also had one of the largest populations of free African Americans before the Civil War.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is actually the oldest capital city in North America, established in 1610. More surprisingly, it was once the terminus of an ancient trade route that connected to Mexico City. The city has survived multiple revolts, including the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which temporarily drove Spanish settlers from the region. Its architecture guidelines, established in 1912, make it one of the earliest examples of urban planning in America.
10. Detroit, Michigan
Before becoming the Motor City, Detroit was the final stop on the Underground Railroad, earning it the nickname “Midnight.” The city also served as the center of American pharmaceutical innovation in the 1800s, with Parke-Davis (now part of Pfizer) establishing the first standardized medications and modern drug testing protocols. Additionally, Detroit was once known as the “Paris of the West” due to its French-inspired architecture and wide boulevards.
These ten cities exemplify the complex and often unexpected nature of American urban history. From underground cities to revolutionary architectural decisions, each location holds secrets that challenge common assumptions about American history. Their stories demonstrate how local events and decisions have shaped not only individual cities but also contributed to the broader narrative of American development and resilience.
Understanding these surprising histories provides valuable insight into the diverse and complex nature of American urban development, reminding us that every city, regardless of its current status or reputation, has played a unique and often unexpected role in shaping the nation’s history.