We've all heard the nickname, but what does it really mean? On countless occasions, I have heard people refer to Poughkeepsie as 'Queen City' and it's always made me wonder, why? I know the Hudson Valley is full of history, but what has made this special nickname stick and are there more out there?

Queen City Theories:

nancykennedy from Getty Images/Canva
nancykennedy from Getty Images/Canva
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I did some research and digging and here's what I found:

  • Poughkeepsie is the midway point between New York City and Albany, this makes it a big part of the New York metropolitan area
  • In 1873, a newspaper coined the nickname and said "They will find Poughkeepsie not only the Queen City of the Hudson but one of the gems of the old Empire State"
  • Poughkeepsie has a lot of culture, art, and history and became a huge booming city, it's also perfectly located right on the river
  • Poughkeepsie comes from the Wappinger language. The word 'U-puku-ipi-sing' means " the reed-covered lodge by the little water-place", there must be some royal connection with this

Are there other areas called Queen City?

Yes, actually a few share the same nickname and they are spread out all across the county.

Buffalo, New York:

Canva
Canva
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Wow, two places in New York State that share the same unique nickname. Sources say, Buffalo at one time was once the largest city along the Great Lakes and that's how it received the other name.

Cumberland, Maryland:

Scharvik by Getty Images Signature
Scharvik by Getty Images Signature
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At one time, it was the second largest, wealthiest, and most vibrant city in Maryland. It was also once used as a military port and the origin point of America's first highway. No wonder it has a royal nickname.

Manchester, New Hampshire:

DenisTangneyJr from Getty Images Signature
DenisTangneyJr from Getty Images Signature
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I think the picture says it all here...just look at those lights. Manchester received the 'Queen City' nickname because it's larger than New Hampshire's state capital (Concord). Maybe Manchester should be the new capital?

If you have any more theories on the infamous Poughkeepsie nickname or know of more places that have it, let us know on the station app.

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