Utica

/ˈjutɪkə/ proper noun

Definition

A city in central New York State, or any of several other cities in the United States named after the ancient North African city.

Etymology

Named after the ancient Phoenician and Roman city of Utica in North Africa (modern-day Tunisia). American cities adopted this classical name during the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of the trend of using ancient place names for new settlements.

Kelly Says

Utica, New York, is famous for several unique local foods, including Utica greens (a dish with escarole, beans, and hot peppers) and tomato pie served at room temperature. The city's naming reflects the classical education of early American settlers who saw themselves as founding new civilizations like the ancients!

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