John J. Fitzgerald
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
John J. Fitzgerald 1894-1963 The turf reporter, who popularized “The Big Apple” as a name for N.Y.C. racetracks, lived here from 1934 to 1963. He first heard the term, equating “the big time” with N.Y.C. racing, in 1920 from African-American stable hands in New Orleans. A decade later, jazz musicians began using the name to identify N.Y.C. as the Capital of Jazz. By the 1970s, “The Big Apple” replaced “Fun City” as the international description of our city.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
In the racing world of the 1920s and '30s, New York was simply "the big time," and a Manhattan turf writer helped turn a bit of backstretch slang into a global nickname. Living in this neighborhood through the mid-20th century, John J. Fitzgerald spread the phrase he had first heard from Black stable hands in New Orleans, and jazz musicians soon adopted it for the city they made their capital. By the 1970s "The Big Apple" had eclipsed every rival to become the city's signature.
Why it matters
The tale of "The Big Apple" is a reminder that American vernacular culture often rises from working people and Black artists before the wider world claims it as its own.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery3.4 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art3.5 mi away
- Bureau3.6 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières3.7 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery3.7 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS4.0 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab2.9 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 83.3 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Dream house3.4 mi away
- Cortlandt Alley3.4 mi away
- Textile building3.4 mi away
- Chinatown3.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman4.3 mi away
- Sweetgreen4.3 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe4.4 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen4.4 mi away
- Bluestone Lane4.4 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill4.4 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad3.8 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown3.9 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- DoubleTree4.0 mi away · 455 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
- Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City4.0 mi away · 21 2nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area4.0 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn4.0 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
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Related people
- · John J. Fitzgerald
Themes & tags
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