History of Big Apple in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

The 'Big Apple' is a prominent and widely recognized nickname for New York City. While its origins trace back to the 1920s through horse racing journalism by John J. Fitz Gerald, the term gained global prominence in the 1970s via a successful tourism marketing campaign. The name signifies the city's status as a premier destination for ambition, opportunity, and cultural significance. Historically, the 'big apple' represented the top prize in racing, and by extension, the city became associated with the ultimate objective for those seeking success in entertainment, business, and fashion. Today, the moniker serves as a symbol of New York City’s vibrant energy, resilience, and iconic global stature, solidifying its place in the American lexicon as a shorthand for the city that never sleeps.

1909: Earliest recorded usage of Big Apple

In 1909, author Edward Sandford Martin published the book The Wayfarer in New York, which contains the earliest known written reference to the term "big apple."

January 1920: First Recorded Usage of "The Big Apple"

In January 1920, racing records verified that the term "The Big Apple" was used by two African American stable hands at the New Orleans Fair Grounds to describe New York racetracks, a conversation overheard by John J. Fitz Gerald.

May 1921: First popularization of The Big Apple

On May 3, 1921, sports writer John J. Fitz Gerald made a casual mention of 'The Big Apple' in his horse-racing columns for the New York Morning Telegraph, marking the beginning of the nickname's association with New York City.

September 16, 1922: Early Usage of the Term Big Apple

On September 16, 1922, the journalist "Ragtime" Billy Tucker utilized the term "big apple" in an article for the Chicago Defender, marking an instance where the nickname was applied to New York City outside of its traditional association with horse racing.

February 18, 1924: Around the Big Apple

On February 18, 1924, John J. Fitz Gerald published a newspaper column titled "Around the Big Apple," which served as an explanation for his frequent use of the term to describe New York City.

1934: Fitz Gerald moves to West 54th Street

John J. Fitz Gerald began residing at the corner of West 54th Street and Broadway in 1934, a location that would later be commemorated as "Big Apple Corner."

1963: End of Fitz Gerald's residency

John J. Fitz Gerald concluded his residency at the southwest corner of West 54th Street and Broadway in 1963.

1996: Installation of the commemorative plaque

A plaque honoring the history of the "Big Apple" nickname was installed at the Hotel Ameritania in 1996, though it was later lost during building renovations.

1997: Designation of Big Apple Corner

In 1997, Mayor Rudy Giuliani signed legislation to officially name the intersection of West 54th Street and Broadway as "Big Apple Corner" to honor John J. Fitz Gerald for his role in popularizing the "Big Apple" nickname for New York City.