ORIGIN OF THE NAMES OF STATES.

Maine was so called as early as 1623, from Maine, in France, of which Henrietta Maria, Queen of England, was at that time proprietor.

New Hampshire was the name given to the territory conveyed by the Plymouth Company to Captain John Mason, by patent, November 7th, 1629, with reference to the patentee, who was Governor of Portsmouth, in Hampshire, England.

Vermont was so called by the inhabitants in their Declaration of Independence, January 16, 1777, from the French verd mont, the Green Mountains.

Massachusetts was so called from Massachusetts Bay, and that from the Massachusetts tribe of Indians, in the neighborhood of Boston. The tribe is thought to have derived its name from the Blue Hills of Milton. "I had learnt," says Roger Williams, "that the Massachusetts was so called from the Blue Hills."

Rhode Island was so called in 1664, in reference to the Island of Rhodes, in the Mediterranean.

Connecticut was so called from the Indian name of its principal river. Connecticut is a Mocheakannew word, signifying long river.

New York was so called in 1664, in reference to the Duke of York and Albany, to whom this territory was granted by the King of England.

New Jersey was so called in 1664, from the Island of Jersey, on the coast of France, the residence of the family of Sir George Carteret, to whom the territory was granted.

Pennsylvania was so called in 1681, after William Penn.

Delaware was so called in 1703, from Delaware Bay, on which it lies, and which received its name from Lord de la War, who died in this bay.

Maryland was so called in honor of Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I, in his patent to Lord Baltimore, June 30th, 1632.

Virginia was so called in 1584, after Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen of England. Carolina was so called by the French in 1564, in honor of King Charles IX, of France.

Georgia was so called in 1732, in honor of King George II.

Alabama was so called in 1814, from its principal river, meaning here we rest. Mississippi was so called in 1800, from its western boundary. Mississippi is said to denote the whole river, i. e., the river formed by the union of many. Louisiana was so called in honor of Louis XIV of France.

Tennessee was so called in 1796, from its principal river. The word Ten-as-se is said to signify a curved spoon.

Kentucky was so called in 1792, from its principal river.

Illinois was so called in 1809, from its principal river. This word is said to sig

nify the river of men.

Indiana was so called in 1809, from the American Indians.

Ohio was so called in 1802, from its southern boundary.

Missouri was so called in 1821, from its principal river. Indian name.

Michigan was so called in 1805, from the lake on its border. Indian name.

Arkansas was so called in 1812, from its principal river. Indian name.

Florida was so called by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1572, because it was discovered

on Easter Sunday; in Spanish, Pascua Florida.

Wisconsin was so called from its principal river. Indian name.

Iowa was so called from its principal river. Indian name.

Oregon was so called from its principal river.

Minnesota is also an Indian word.

Indian name.

California, a Spanish word, and named from an arm of the Pacific Ocean.

Texas, a Spanish word applied to the Republic.

Kansas is an Indian name.