ALPENA Numerous cities and villages share the same name across the nation.
The World Atlas, for example, shows Washington 88 times, Springfield 41, and Dayton 28.
With an uncommon name, however, America boasts just three municipalities and one unincorporated region called Alpena. In addition to Alpena, Michigan, you can find Alpenas in Arkansas, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
Both the Michigan and South Dakota namesakes are located on or near the globe’s 45th Parallel, halfway between the North Pole and Equator.
All four Alpenas have a strong heritage, established by European and Scandinavian immigrants. They all have a history on railroad lines for the agriculture and lumber industries.