Is Your State Capital Named After A Founder Of A German Reich?

The map above shows which US states have a state capital named after the found of a German Reich.

The answer of course is Bismarck, North Dakota named after Otto von Bismarck the architect of German Unification in 1871 and the founding of the German Empire.

This became known as the 2nd Reich (the first being the Holy Roman Empire and the 3rd one that didn’t end too well).

Why did Bismarck North Dakota get its name?

Bismarck, North Dakota, was named in honor of Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, in 1873.

The naming was intended to attract German investment, settlers, and support, particularly from German immigrants, as Germany was internationally prominent at that time after Bismarck unified the country in 1871.

Additionally, the Northern Pacific Railway, which founded the city, sought to leverage Otto von Bismarck’s fame and influence to promote settlement and economic development in the region.

Other cities (but not state capitals) named after German places or individuals include:

• New Berlin, Wisconsin (named after Berlin, Germany)
• Hamburg, New York (named after Hamburg, Germany)
• Hanover, Pennsylvania (named after Hannover, Germany)

However, my favourite by far is King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

It received its distinctive name from an 18th-century inn called the “King of Prussia Inn,” which opened in 1769.

The inn itself was named to honor King Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was widely admired at the time for his military achievements and Enlightenment ideals.

Initially, the area was simply known as “Reesville,” after the Rees family, who were early settlers.

However, due to the popularity of the inn, travelers and locals gradually began referring to the area by the inn’s name, King of Prussia. Over time, the name stuck and became official.

Thus, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, got its name indirectly from a German historical figure (Frederick II, King of Prussia), similar to how Bismarck, North Dakota, honours Otto von Bismarck.

Can you think of any other places named this way in the US?