Top 5 U.S. Cities Named After Kings

Many U.S. cities have names influenced by historical backgrounds or relationships with various cultures, including kings or significant people who were of royal descent. Many of these cities were founded by early settler, colonizer, conqueror types who established royal titles on the land they claimed.

 Furthermore, many of these cities are named after two different groups of people that contributed to American history: European monarchs during colonization, and local leaders with "King" on their birth certificates but who were not of royal descent. 

As we visit these different cities, we learn not only about their history from a geographic perspective, but we also see how different cultures contributed to their development.

Check Out: Which U.S. President Served the Longest Term in Office?

Top 5 U.S. Cities Named After Kings

Here are the top 5 U.S. Cities named after kings along with the state and the king based on report by United States Geological Survey: 

1. Kingston, New York

The Birthplace of Kingston, New York derived its name from King George III during the early 1700's, Kingston was one of the oldest cities in New York and served an administrative function as well as a shipping port.

 Kingston's commitment to being an important player in early American history, (including the Revolutionary War), continues through the many original buildings and historical sites throughout the city.

2. Kingsport, Tennessee

Kingsport is a city that is located on the Holston River; therefore, its reason for being is tied to the accessibility to the river at the time of Colonization. 

The town was founded during the 1790's and continued to serve an economic function through the late 1800s due to transportation on the river.

Kingsport has become an industrial center as well as a growing tourist destination, containing many attractions, including the historic sites connected to the town's founding.

3. Kingsville, Texas

Kingsville, Texas, was named after Richard King, who owned one of the largest ranching and timber operations in South Texas. Kingsville became a commercial and agricultural center for the valley when it opened a new railroad.

 In addition to its historic importance and agricultural heritage, Kingsville is also a university town and serves as the educational and cultural center of the region.

4. Kingstown, Rhode Island

Kingston is influenced by the British Monarchy in its colonial heritage. Founded in the 17th century, it has had a long history of settlement and provides beautiful views of the coast.

It has preserved a number of churches, farms and historical sites that offer insight into colonial America and the early European settlers of New England.

5. Kingman, Arizona

Kingman was named after Lewis King, one of the railroad engineers who helped construct the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad during the late 1800s. 

Because it was located on the original route for the historic Route 66, it became a critical stop for travelers. Today, Kingman looks back to its origins as a railroad town and a desert community while also being located on the original Route 66.

Conclusion

Each city from Kingston through Kingman represents a distinct period in America’s history, and reflects not only the influence of these kings but also the cultural diversity and historical legacy that stemmed from them.

Must Read: 

Why is the U.S. called a Superpower?