The following article, sourced from an 1894 edition of the Arizona Republican, delves into the etymological roots of various American town and city names, tracing them back to their Indigenous origins.
Each name serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Native American tribes across the United States.
Mementoes of a Past Race
PADUCAH, the Indian chief, gave his name to the Kentucky town.
MAUCH CHUNK, Pa. [now known as Jim Thorpe], is an Indian name meaning bear mountain.
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., has an Indian name meaning a pleasant harbor.
An Indian word meaning young grandmother gave a name to KOKOMO, Ind.
COHASSET, Mass., was so called from an Indian term signifying place of pines.
MILWAUKEE was the Indian name of a Wisconsin river. It means rich country.
PEMBINA, the Dakota city, is said to have an Indian name meaning red berry.
CHICOPEE, Mass., was called from an Indian word signifying the birch bark place.
COCHITUATE, Mass., was named from an Indian word meaning the place of the falls.
KEOKUK, an Indian chief, furnished the name of an Iowa town. The word means sly fox.
The KAWS or Kansas Indians gave a name to Kansas City, Mo. It was adopted in 1839.
Source: Arizona republican. (Phoenix, Ariz.), 19 Oct. 1894.
