Cities with "Fort" in Their Name
Behind almost every American city with "Fort" in its name is a military installation — usually a frontier outpost built to secure territory, protect settlers, or control a strategic river crossing. Most of these forts are long gone, demolished or absorbed by the cities that grew up around them. But the name stuck, a permanent reminder of how much of American urbanisation was driven by military presence and westward expansion.
Quick Stats
By the Numbers
Top 10 States by City Count
Cities by U.S. Region
Most Common Name Patterns
| City Name | Count |
|---|---|
| Fortuna | 7 |
| Old Fort | 5 |
| Fort Hill | 5 |
| Spanish Fort | 4 |
| Fort Defiance | 3 |
| Fort Smith | 3 |
| Fort Mitchell | 3 |
| Fort Washington Census Designated Place | 3 |
Notable Cities
The most historically and culturally significant cities on this list.
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Gateway to the frontier West and home of Judge Isaac Parker's court
Fort Smith sits on the Arkansas–Oklahoma border and was among the first military outposts west of the Mississippi. Judge Isaac Parker, the "Hanging Judge," presided here over the largest federal court district in U.S. history, ruling the Indian Territory for 21 years. The Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves his courtroom and the gallows.
How far is Fort Smith from me? →Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado craft beer capital and home of Colorado State University
Fort Collins helped launch America's craft beer revolution — New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing both started here. Colorado State University anchors the city's culture and economy. Historic Old Town, with its red brick Victorian buildings, was the inspiration for Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A., according to Walt Disney's biographers.
How far is Fort Collins from me? →Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Venice of America with 300+ miles of navigable waterways
Fort Lauderdale's extensive canal network, threading through waterfront neighborhoods, earned it the nickname "Venice of America." It's one of the world's leading yachting and boating centers, hosting the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — the largest in-water boat show on earth. Its beach and nightlife scene rivals Miami at a fraction of the crowds.
How far is Fort Lauderdale from me? →Fort Myers, Florida
Winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford
Fort Myers is known as the City of Palms for the royal palms lining its historic McGregor Boulevard — a tree Edison himself helped plant. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford built winter estates here, now the Edison and Ford Winter Estates museum. The city is gateway to the Lee County barrier islands and one of Florida's fastest-growing metros.
How far is Fort Myers from me? →Fort Wayne, Indiana
Indiana's second-largest city at the confluence of three rivers
Fort Wayne sits at the meeting point of the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee rivers, a strategic location that made it a key military and trading post. It's the second-largest city in Indiana and anchors the northeast corner of the state. The city's Headwaters Junction railyard museum reflects its importance as a 19th-century railroad hub.
How far is Fort Wayne from me? →Fort Worth, Texas
Where the West begins — cattle trails, rodeos, and world-class museums
Fort Worth grew from a frontier Army outpost into a city where cowboy heritage and contemporary culture coexist. The Stockyards National Historic District still holds daily cattle drives down Exchange Avenue. Its Cultural District houses world-class institutions including the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
How far is Fort Worth from me? →