How Did the States Get Their Names?

Alabama’s state name originated from the Alabama River, a significant waterway that traverses the state. The river’s name, in turn, originated from the indigenous Alabama (Alibamu) tribe that once inhabited the area. The term “Alabama” is of Native American descent and is believed to be a combination of two Creek Indian words: “alba” meaning vegetation or plants and “amo” meaning to cut or gather.

The Alabama people were skilled agriculturists and relied heavily on the fertile land along the riverbanks for their sustenance. European explorers and settlers encountered the tribe in the 16th century, and over time, the name “Alabama” became associated with both the river and the state.

Alaska’s state name originated from the Aleut word “Alyeska,” meaning “great land” or “mainland.” Russian explorers and fur traders, led by Vitus Bering, were the first Europeans to reach Alaska in the 18th century. They encountered the indigenous Aleut people who used the term “Alyeska” to refer to the vast landmass.

When Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, the name “Alaska” was adopted, maintaining its connection to the native roots. The territory later became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959.

Arizona got its name from the Spanish word “Arizonac,” which is derived from the Native American O’odham language, meaning “small spring.” The area was initially explored by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and they encountered various Native American tribes, including the O’odham people. The name “Arizonac” referred to the lush, fertile region around the Santa Cruz River.

Over time, the name evolved into “Arizona,” and the territory became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War. Arizona later achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, becoming the 48th state of the United States.

The origin of Arkansas’ state name is from the Quapaw (also spelled “Arkansas” by early French explorers) Native American tribe that inhabited the region. The name “Arkansas” is of Algonquian origin, and it means “land of downriver people” or “people of the south wind.”

French explorers encountered the Quapaw people in the 17th century and referred to them as “les Akansas,” which later became associated with the surrounding land. Over time, the pronunciation evolved, and the territory was named “Arkansas.” Arkansas became a U.S. territory in 1819 and achieved statehood on June 15, 1836, as the 25th state of the United States.

California state name originated from the Spanish conquistadors and early explorers who were inspired by the fictional island of “California” in the Spanish romance novel “Las Sergas de Esplandián” by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés and his men ventured to the New World and believed they had found an island with a similar lush and bountiful landscape described in the novel. They named this land “California” in honor of the mythical island.

However, it was later revealed to be part of the North American mainland. The name “California” endured, and the region eventually became the 31st state of the United States in 1850.

The origin of Colorado’s state name is from the Spanish word “colorado,” meaning “ruddy” or “reddish-colored.” The name was inspired by the vibrant and reddish sediment of the Colorado River. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region and encountered the river, which carved deep canyons through the land, exposing its distinctive red hues.

The area was initially known as “Colorado” in Spanish, and when the region was organized as a U.S. territory in 1861, it retained the name “Colorado.” On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted as the 38th state of the United States.

Connecticut’s name originated from the Native American Algonquian word “Quinnehtukqut,” which means “beside the long tidal river.” The Algonquian-speaking Mohegan and Pequot tribes inhabited the area when European settlers arrived. Explorer and Dutch navigator Adriaen Block explored the region in the early 1600s and referred to the river as “The Great River of the Freshwater Bay.” Later, English settlers Anglicized the name to “Connecticut.”

In 1639, the colony adopted the name “Connecticut” when it formed its first constitution, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. On January 9, 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state of the United States.

Delaware got its name from Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and colonial leader. In 1610, Captain Samuel Argall, an English explorer, sailed up the bay and named it “Delaware” in honor of Lord De La Warr, who was the colony’s first governor. The bay’s name was later applied to the surrounding region.

Originally settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century, the land eventually came under English control. Delaware remained a part of various colonial territories until declaring independence and becoming the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787.

Florida got its name from the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who arrived on its shores in 1513. The name “Florida” means “flowery” or “full of flowers” in Spanish. Ponce de León named the land “Pascua Florida” in honor of the Easter season, which he discovered during his exploration. The name was later used to refer to the entire territory.

Florida remained under Spanish control until 1819 when it was ceded to the United States through the Adams-Onís Treaty. Florida became the 27th state of United States on March 3, 1845.

Georgia got its state name in honor of King George II of Great Britain. The colony’s founder, James Oglethorpe, established the British colony of Georgia in 1732. Oglethorpe wanted to create a haven for debtors and provide protection against Spanish expansion from Florida. He obtained a charter from King George II, who granted the land for the new colony. In recognition of the king’s support, Oglethorpe named the colony “Georgia.”

Georgia ratified the United States Constitution and joined the Union on January 2, 1788, becoming the fourth state to do so.

Hawaii got its name from the indigenous Polynesian voyagers who settled the islands centuries ago. The name “Hawaii” is believed to come from the Proto-Polynesian word “Hawaiki,” which described the ancestral homeland of the Polynesians. As they migrated across the Pacific, they carried the name with them, eventually using it for the largest island in the archipelago. Over time, “Hawaiki” evolved into “Hawaii.” British explorer Captain James Cook is credited with introducing the name to the Western world during his visit to the islands in 1778.

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii joined the United States as its 50th state.

The origin of Idaho’s state name is from a fabricated Native American word. A lobbyist named George M. Willing suggested the name “Idaho” for a new territory created by the U.S. Congress in the early 1860s. He claimed that the word was derived from the Shoshone and Bannock Native American languages and meant “gem of the mountains” or “light on the mountains.” However, this was later revealed to be a hoax, and the word “Idaho” had no authentic Native American origin or meaning.

Despite the deception, the name stuck, and Idaho was organized as a territory in 1863. It became the 43rd state of the United States on July 3, 1890.

Illinois got its name from the Illinois Confederation, a group of Native American tribes that inhabited the region. French explorers, led by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, encountered the Illinois Confederation in the 17th century and named the area “Illinois” in their honor. The word “Illinois” is derived from the Algonquian language and means “tribe of superior men” or “men of men.”

The region remained under French control until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 when it became part of the United States. On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the United States.

Indiana got its name from the Indiana Territory, which was named after the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. The name “Indiana” is derived from the word “Indian,” signifying the indigenous people who lived there before European settlement. The name was proposed by Judge John Rice Jones, a politician and jurist, in 1800 when he presented a bill to the U.S. Congress to create the Indiana Territory.

On May 7, 1800, Congress passed the bill, and the territory was established. Indiana achieved statehood on December 11, 1816, becoming the 19th state of the United States.

Iowa got its name from the Iowa River, which was named after the Native American Iowa (or Ioway) people who once inhabited the region. The name “Iowa” is believed to be derived from the Dakota Sioux word “ayuhwa,” which means “sleepy ones” or “drowsy ones.” French explorers encountered the Iowa people in the 17th century and later applied the name to the river.

In 1838, the Iowa Territory was organized, and it retained the name when it became the 29th state of the United States on December 28, 1846.

Origin of Kansas’ name is from the Kansas River, which was named after the Kansa (or Kaw) Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. The name “Kansas” is derived from the Sioux word “KaNze,” meaning “south wind people.” French explorers encountered the Kansa tribe in the 18th century and named the river after them.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act organized the Kansas Territory, and it retained the name when it became the 34th state of the United States on January 29, 1861. The state’s name pays tribute to the indigenous people who were prominent in the region’s history.

Origin of Kentucky’s name is from the Kentucky River, which was named by early explorers. The origin of the name “Kentucky” is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Native American roots. Some suggest that it comes from the Wyandot or Iroquois languages, with possible meanings like “land of tomorrow” or “meadowland.” Another theory attributes it to the Shawnee word “Kentahten,” meaning “at the head of the river” or “on the prairie.”

The name was applied to the region, and in 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States.

Louisiana got its name in honor of King Louis XIV of France. The French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claimed the region for France in the late 17th century and named it “La Louisiane” to pay tribute to the reigning monarch. The name “Louisiane” was later anglicized to “Louisiana” after the area came under Spanish control in the 18th century and then became a U.S. territory due to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

On April 30, 1812, Louisiana was admitted as the 18th state of the United States, and it retained the name derived from its French heritage.

Origin of Maine’s state name is from the French province of Maine. English explorer and naval officer Samuel de Champlain visited the region in 1604 and named it “La Marche” in honor of Henri II, Duke of Maine. Over time, the name evolved to “Maine.”

In 1622, King James I of England granted a land patent to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Captain John Mason, designating the territory as “the Province of Maine.” The region was part of Massachusetts until 1820 when it separated and became the 23rd state of the United States on March 15, 1820, retaining its name.

Maryland got its name in honor of Henrietta Maria, the Queen consort of King Charles I of England. The English Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, who sought to establish a colony in the New World, was granted a charter by King Charles I in 1632. Calvert named the colony “Maryland” to pay tribute to the queen, whose given name was Henrietta Maria. The name “Maryland” is a combination of “Maria” and “land.”

Maryland was established as a haven for Catholics fleeing religious persecution and became the 7th state to join the United States on April 28, 1788.

Massachusetts’ name originated from the indigenous Native American tribe known as the Massachusett or Massachusetts people. English explorer and colonist John Smith encountered the tribe in the early 17th century and adopted the name “Massachusetts” to refer to both the tribe and the region they inhabited. The word “Massachusetts” is derived from the Algonquian language and translates to “at the great hill” or “near the range of hills.”

In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts aboard the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony. Massachusetts later played a crucial role in American history and became the 6th state to join the United States on February 6, 1788.

Michigan got its name from the Great Lake it borders, Lake Michigan. The name “Michigan” is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Native American word “mishigamaa,” which translates to “large water” or “large lake.” French explorers, led by Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain, encountered the Ojibwe people in the 17th century and adopted the name “Michigan” to refer to the lake.

The region became part of the United States after the Revolutionary War and was organized as the Michigan Territory in 1805. On January 26, 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States, retaining its Ojibwe-inspired name.

Minnesota got its name from the Minnesota River. The name “Minnesota” is derived from the Dakota Sioux word “Mní sóta,” which translates to “clear blue water.” French explorers, including Pierre-Charles Le Sueur, encountered the Dakota Sioux people in the 17th century and adopted the name “Minnesota” to refer to the river.

The region became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1849, Minnesota Territory was established, and on May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the United States, retaining the Dakota Sioux name in honor of its indigenous heritage.

Origin of Mississippi’s name is from the Mississippi River. The name “Mississippi” is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Native American word “misi-ziibi,” which means “great river” or “gathering of waters.” French explorers, led by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, encountered the Ojibwe people in the 17th century and adopted the name “Mississippi” to refer to the mighty river.

The region became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state to join the United States, retaining its Ojibwe-inspired name, honoring the indigenous heritage of the land.

Missouri got its name from the Missouri River. The name “Missouri” is derived from the Native American tribe known as the Missouria (or Missouri) people, who once inhabited the region. The tribe’s name is believed to be derived from the Illinois language and translates to “people with wooden canoes.” French explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, encountered the Missouria people in the 17th century and adopted the name “Missouri” to refer to the river.

In 1804, the region became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. On August 10, 1821, Missouri was admitted as the 24th state to join the United States, retaining its Native American-inspired name.

Montana got its name from the Spanish word “montaña,” which means “mountain” or “mountainous.” The name was inspired by the numerous mountain ranges and rugged terrain in the region. French and Spanish explorers, including Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, journeyed through the area in the early 19th century and interacted with various Native American tribes. The name “Montana” was later applied to the Montana Territory, which was organized in 1864.

On November 8, 1889, Montana was admitted as the 41st state to join the United States, preserving the name that acknowledges the state’s striking landscape of mountains and natural beauty.

Origin of Nebraska’s name is from the Platte River, which was originally called the “Nebrathka” by the indigenous Otoe tribe. The word “Nebrathka” means “flat water” or “flat river” in the Otoe language, referring to the river’s shallow and wide nature. French fur traders encountered the Otoe people in the 18th century and adopted the name “Nebraska” to refer to the river.

In 1854, the Nebraska Territory was established, and it retained the name when it became the 37th state to join the United States on March 1, 1867, honoring its Native American roots and the river that has played a significant role in the region’s history.

Nevada got its name from the Spanish word “nevada,” which means “snow-covered” or “snowy.” The name was inspired by the Sierra Nevada mountain range that spans across the western part of the state. Spanish explorers, led by Francisco Garcés, ventured through the area in the 18th century and named it “Sierra Nevada,” emphasizing the snow-capped peaks.

In 1859, silver was discovered in the region, leading to a mining rush and rapid settlement. On October 31, 1864, Nevada was admitted as the 36th state to join the United States, retaining the Spanish name that acknowledges its scenic mountain landscape.

Origin of New Hampshire’s state name is from the English county of Hampshire. Captain John Mason, an English landowner and colonist, obtained a land grant in the New World in the early 17th century and named the territory “New Hampshire” in honor of his homeland, Hampshire, England. The name “Hampshire” is derived from the Old English words “ham” and “sæ” meaning “home” and “land” respectively, referring to the fertile land along the rivers.

In 1629, the territory was regranted to John Mason and others, officially establishing the Province of New Hampshire. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the 9th state to join the United States.

Origin of New Jersey’s state name is from the English Channel Island of Jersey. In the early 17th century, Sir George Carteret and Lord Berkeley, two English noblemen, were granted the land between the Hudson and Delaware rivers by King Charles II. They named the territory “Nova Caesarea,” Latin for “New Jersey,” to honor Carteret’s defense of the Isle of Jersey during the English Civil War. The island’s name, Jersey, is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word “jarth,” meaning “earth” or “land.”

On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the 3rd state to ratify the United States Constitution and join the Union.

New Mexico got its state name from the Aztec Valley of Mexico. Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, journeyed through the region in the 16th century in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. When they encountered the indigenous Pueblo people, the Spanish identified the area as “Nuevo México” in reference to the Valley of Mexico, the center of the Aztec Empire. The name “Mexico” is derived from the Nahuatl word “Mēxihco,” which refers to the heartland of the Aztec civilization.

The region remained under Spanish rule until 1821 when Mexico gained independence. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico was admitted as the 47th state of the United States, retaining its Spanish-inspired name.

New York’s name originated in honor of the Duke of York, who later became King James II of England. In 1664, the English captured the Dutch colony of New Netherland, which included the area of present-day New York. The English King Charles II granted the territory to his brother, James, Duke of York. To honor him, the region was renamed “New York.” The name “York” refers to the city of York in England.

The Duke of York’s control of the territory continued until he ascended the throne as King James II in 1685. On July 26, 1788, New York became the 11th state to ratify the United States Constitution and join the Union.

North Carolina got its name in honor of King Charles I of England, who granted the land to a group of English nobles in 1663. The territory was originally part of the Province of Carolina, named after King Charles I’s Latin name “Carolus,” meaning Charles.

In 1712, the province was divided into North Carolina and South Carolina, with the division occurring at the 35th parallel. North Carolina became a royal colony in 1729 when the proprietors sold their interests to the Crown. On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to join the United States, retaining its name in honor of the English king.

Origin of North Dakota’s state name is from the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe. The name “Dakota” is derived from the Dakota word “Dakȟóta,” which means “allies” or “friends.” French fur traders encountered the Dakota people in the 18th century and adopted the name “Dakota” to refer to the tribe. When the Dakota Territory was organized in 1861, it was named after the Dakota tribe.

In 1889, the territory was divided into North Dakota and South Dakota, and both states were admitted to the United States on November 2, 1889. North Dakota became the 39th state to join the Union, retaining its name to honor the indigenous heritage of the region.

Origin of Ohio’s name is from the Ohio River. The name “Ohio” is derived from the Iroquois (Seneca) Native American word “ohiːyoː,” which translates to “good river” or “beautiful river.” French explorers, including René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, encountered the Iroquois people in the 17th century and adopted the name “Ohio” to refer to the river.

The region became part of the United States through the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. On March 1, 1803, Ohio was admitted as the 17th state to join the United States, retaining the Iroquois-inspired name that pays tribute to the scenic and significant river in the area.

Oklahoma got its name from the Choctaw Native American words “okla” and “humma,” which together mean “red people.” The Choctaw language is a Muskogean language spoken by the Choctaw tribe, who inhabited the region. In the 19th century, the U.S. government forcibly relocated several Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, to Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma, along the Trail of Tears. The name “Oklahoma” was chosen in 1866 by a Choctaw chief to describe the territory.

On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state to join the United States, retaining its Native American-inspired name, recognizing the rich cultural heritage of the land.

Origin of Oregon state name is from the Columbia River’s southern bank, originally called “Ouragon” by French Canadian explorers. The name “Ouragon” is believed to be derived from the Algonquian word “wauregan,” meaning “beautiful” or “beautiful river.” In the 19th century, American settlers began using the name “Oregon” to refer to the entire territory.

In 1848, the Oregon Territory was organized, and it encompassed present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. On February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state to join the United States, retaining the name inspired by the stunning Columbia River and the earlier French influence.

Pennsylvania got its name in honor of William Penn, an English Quaker and the proprietor of the colony. The king named the territory “Pennsylvania,” meaning “Penn’s Woods,” in recognition of William Penn’s father, Admiral William Penn, and the lush forests that covered the area.

The colony was established as a haven for religious freedom and Quaker principles. On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the 2nd state to ratify the United States Constitution and join the Union, retaining the name to honor its founder.

Rhode Island got its state name from the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, who referred to the area as “Roodt Eylandt” when he encountered it in 1614. The name “Roodt Eylandt” is Dutch for “Red Island,” likely due to the red clay along the shoreline. English colonists later adopted the name, and in 1636, Roger Williams, seeking religious freedom, founded a settlement there, which became Providence. The colony was officially named “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” Today, the state is commonly referred to as Rhode Island.

In May 29, 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th state to join the United States, retaining the Dutch-inspired name.

South Carolina’s state name originated in honor of King Charles I of England. In 1663, King Charles II granted a land charter to eight English nobles known as the Lords Proprietors. They named the territory “Carolina” after the Latin word “Carolus,” meaning Charles, to pay tribute to the king. In 1712, Carolina was officially divided into two separate provinces: North Carolina and South Carolina, with the division occurring at the 35th parallel.

In 1719, South Carolina became a royal colony after the Lords Proprietors sold their interests to the Crown. On May 23, 1788, South Carolina became the 8th state to join the United States, retaining the name to honor its English monarch.

South Dakota got its name from the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe. The name “Dakota” is derived from the Dakota word “Dakȟóta,” which means “allies” or “friends.” French fur traders encountered the Dakota people in the 18th century and adopted the name “Dakota” to refer to the tribe. In 1861, the Dakota Territory was established, encompassing present-day North Dakota and South Dakota.

In 1889, the territory was divided into North Dakota and South Dakota, and both states were admitted to the United States on November 2, 1889. South Dakota became the 40th state to join the Union, retaining its Native American-inspired name that acknowledges the indigenous heritage of the region.

Tennessee got its state name from the Cherokee village of “Tanasi” or “Tanasqui,” located near present-day Knoxville. The name “Tennessee” is believed to be derived from the Cherokee word “tanasi,” which has various interpretations, including “meeting place” or “winding river.” English explorers, including William Bean and James White, encountered the village in the 18th century and adopted the name “Tennessee” to refer to the area.

Tennessee became the 16th state of United States in the year of 1796. The name “Tennessee” pays tribute to the Native American heritage and the history of the land.

Texas’ state name originated from the Spanish word “Tejas,” which was used to refer to the Caddo Native American tribe and their territory. Spanish explorers and missionaries, including Alonso Álvarez de Pineda and Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, encountered the Caddo people in the 16th century and adopted the name “Tejas” for the region. The name “Tejas” is believed to be derived from the Caddo word “taysha,” meaning “friends” or “allies.”

The area was later claimed by various European powers, and in 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to join the United States, retaining the Spanish-inspired name.

Origin of Utah’s state name is from the Ute Native American tribe, who were indigenous to the region. The name “Utah” is derived from the Ute word “yuttahih,” which means “people of the mountains.” The Spanish explorer Juan Rivera first encountered the Ute people in the 18th century and referred to them as “Yutas” in his records. Later, American explorers and settlers adopted the name “Utah” to refer to the territory.

In 1850, the Utah Territory was organized, and on January 4, 1896, Utah became the 45th state to join the United States, retaining the Ute-inspired name that pays homage to the native inhabitants of the land.

Vermont got its name from the French words “vert” and “mont,” meaning “green mountain.” French explorer Samuel de Champlain first visited the area in the early 17th century and referred to the Green Mountains, a prominent mountain range in the region, as “Verd Mont” in his writings. The name gradually evolved to “Vermont.”

The territory was initially claimed by both New Hampshire and New York, but in 1791, it was admitted as the 14th state to join the United States after resolving boundary disputes. Vermont retained the French-inspired name, honoring its scenic landscape and historical French exploration.

Virginia’s state name originated in honor of Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was often referred to as the “Virgin Queen” due to her unmarried status. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer, received a land grant from Queen Elizabeth I to establish colonies in the New World. He named the territory “Virginia” to pay tribute to the queen. The name “Virginia” is derived from the Latin word “virgo,” meaning “virgin” or “maiden.”

The first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown, was established in Virginia in 1607. On June 25, 1788, Virginia became the 10th state to join the United States, retaining the name in honor of the English queen.

Washington got its name in honor of the first U.S. President, George Washington. The area was originally explored by Spanish and British explorers in the 18th century, and it was later claimed by the United States as part of the Oregon Territory. In 1853, the territory was organized and named “Washington” by the U.S. Congress to distinguish it from the District of Columbia, the nation’s capital. The name “Washington” was chosen as a tribute to George Washington for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War and his role as the country’s founding president.

On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to join the United States, retaining the name in honor of its namesake.

West Virginia got its name due to its geographic location as the western portion of the state of Virginia. During the American Civil War, Virginia seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy. However, some residents in the western part of the state opposed secession and formed a separate government.

In 1863, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state. The name “West Virginia” was chosen to distinguish it from the eastern portion of Virginia, which remained part of the Confederacy. The state’s name reflects its unique history and its formation during the tumultuous time of the Civil War.

Wisconsin got its name from the Wisconsin River. The name “Wisconsin” is believed to be derived from the Algonquian (Ojibwe) word “wiskisininewak,” meaning “grassy place” or “gathering of the waters.” French explorers, including Jean Nicolet and Jacques Marquette, encountered the indigenous tribes in the 17th century and adopted the name “Wisconsin” to refer to the river.

The region became part of the United States through the Northwest Territory in 1787. On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state to join the United States, retaining the Native American-inspired name that acknowledges the natural beauty and abundant waterways in the area.

Wyoming got its name from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. The name “Wyoming” is derived from the Munsee Delaware Native American word “xwé:wamənk,” which means “at the big river flat.” In the late 18th century, the Wyoming Valley was the site of a significant battle between American colonists and British loyalists and their Native American allies during the American Revolutionary War. The valley became well-known, and when the Wyoming Territory was organized in 1868, it was named after the valley.

On July 10, 1890, Wyoming was admitted as the 44th state to join the United States, retaining the Native American-inspired name.