Texas was called the “Jumbo State” in the late 1800s because it’s a big state, like the famed “Jumbo” elephant was large.
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The Jumbo State: In 1882, P.T. Barnum brought the largest African elephant ever kept in captivity from London to the United States to be used in his circus. The elephant’s name was Jumbo. The elephant came to signify anything that was unusually large. Texas, the largest state in the Union, became known as “The Jumbo State” at that time.
21 October 1892, Washington Post, “The Situation in Texas,” pg. 4:
One of the healthiest signs of the times from a political view is the big family row now in progress in the Jumbo State of Texas.
4 May 1904, Washington Post, pg. 6:
In truth, men who know the political situation of the Jumbo State well, say that Mr. Culberson can come to the Senate for life, so strong is the hold he has upon his countrymen, and so unbounded the confidence they repose in him.
5 September 1913, Washington Post, pg. 4:
“For a few brief weeks the people of Texas expected and confidently believed that this year the Jumbo State would make a record in cotton production.”
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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