Second Largest State Cities

Fun Facts About Second Largest State Cities

• Buffalo, New York earned the nickname "City of Light" in the late-19th century because it was one of the first cities in the world to have widespread electric streetlights. This was driven by revolutionary hydroelectric power generated by Niagara Falls over 20 miles away.
• Gulfport, Mississippi has one of the longest man-made beaches on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The sand was pumped in to protect the 26-mile-long concrete seawall constructed between 1924 and 1929.
• Juneau, Alaska is the only U.S. state capital you cannot reach by road. You'll need to take a plane or a boat if you want to visit.
• Miami, Florida is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle. Often called the Mother of Miami, she purchased 640 acres on the Miami River in the 1890s and convince a tycoon to extend his railroad to the area.
• Worcester, Massachusetts is recognized as the birthplace of the modern Valentine's Day card. The first one was made in the 1840s.
• San Diego, California has the largest concentration of military personnel and service of any U.S. city. With over 100,000 active-duty members, the city hosts several large naval bases.
• Lincoln, Nebraska was originally founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster, but changed its name before becoming the state capital in 1867 partly to honor the recently assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.
• Missoula, Montana is nicknamed "The Garden City" for its beautiful parks and gardens. Situated in a lush river valley, the city is a hub for outdoor recreation like rafting and moutain biking.