Most populous cities in U.S. history

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by 1greatcity

Most of the cities on the list peaked last year, or in 1950. I wonder why Milwaukee and New Orleans peaked in 1960, and KCMO in 1970? What caused those peaks at unusual times in the cities' history?

I believe Milwaukee annexed a whole township in the 50s.

[iknowftbll]

I think the interesting thing about this is that most of the cities that peaked in 1950 are eastern cities. Most of the cities the peaked (for the time being) in 2010 are western cities. Someone mentioned the interstates being pivotal to cities' developing in the 1950s, which goes a long way toward explaining this trend. Along with the development of suburbs. But another thing to consider is geography. Cities in the east tend to conform to their geography. But the city limits of western cities tend to be long straight lines. Cities developing and peaking in the present tend to be larger geographically because they are not as bound by geography as their eastern counterparts.

The study of all this is important because it tells part of a story about how this country grew and developed throughout its history. I commend the OP for his research and producing this list.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by 1greatcity

I've compiled a list of every U.S. city that has ever surpassed the half-million mark throughout the history of our nation.
The numbers represent the very highest population each city has ever attained, with the year. PLEASE READ: This is for city proper only-- not urbanized areas or MSA's.
Sources: United States Census Bureau; estimates for 2010 are from Business First, Nov. 22, 2010.

1. New York- 8,453,558 (2010)
2. Los Angeles- 3,852,820 (2010)
3. Chicago- 3,620,962 (1950)
4. Houston- 2,306,455 (2010)
5. Philadelphia- 2,071,605 (1950)
6. Detroit- 1,849,568 (1950)
7. Phoenix- 1,638,283 (2010)
8. San Antonio- 1,411,732 (2010)
9. Dallas- 1,320,126 (2010)
10. San Diego- 1,314,900 (2010)
11. San Jose- 982,102 (2010)
12. Baltimore- 949,708 (1950)
13. Cleveland- 914,808 (1950)
14. St. Louis- 856,796 (1950)
15. San Francisco- 825,358 (2010)
16. Jacksonville- 822,884 (2010)
17. Indianapolis- 813,700 (2010)
18. Austin- 811,210 (2010)
19. Washington- 802,178 (1950)
20. Boston- 801,444 (1950)
21. Columbus- 779,728 (2010)
22. Fort Worth- 764,017 (2010)
23. Milwaukee- 741,324 (1960)
24. Charlotte- 729,781 (2010)
25. Memphis- 682,024 (2006)
26. Pittsburgh- 676,806 (1950)
27. El Paso- 632,143 (2010)
28. Seattle- 629,875 (2010)
29. New Orleans- 627,525 (1960)
30. Denver- 626,107 (2010)
31. Nashville- 615,221 (2010)
32. Buffalo- 580,132 (1950)
33. Las Vegas- 577,587 (2010)
34. Portland (OR)- 575,671 (2010)
35. Oklahoma City- 570,024 (2010)
36. Louisville- 569,135 (2010)
37. Atlanta- 560,002 (2010)
38. Tucson- 551,091 (2010)
39. Albuquerque- 540,896 (2010)
40. Minneapolis- 521,718 (1950)
41. Kansas City (MO)- 507,087 (1970)
42. Cincinnati- 503,998 (1950)

Interesting that Baltimore, Cleveland and St. Louis are still among the top 20 U.S. cities ever.
Considering it's big reputation. it's hard to believe that Miami has never reached the 500k mark.
And it's strange to see Atlanta that far down the list, even below Buffalo!

Cool list, you should add the square miles of each city during the year they were largest.

St Louis was incredibly dense at one time.

[1greatcity]

KCMO, I'd like to compile such a list, but I'm not sure where to find the data on the areas of cities in 195o, 1960, etc. Any ideas?