Kansas etymology

Etymology of Kansas

The name "Kansas" is derived from the Kansa or Kaw people, a Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area.

Meaning of the Word "Kansa"

• The exact meaning of the word "Kansa" is uncertain, but there are several possible interpretations:
  • It could mean "smoky water," referring to the Kansas River, which flows through the state.
  • It could mean "people of the south wind," as the Kansa people migrated southward to the area from the Great Lakes region.
  • It could mean "people of the red stone," referring to the red pipestone quarries in the region.

Origin of the Name for the State

In 1854, when the Kansas Territory was organized, a name was needed for the new political entity. Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois suggested the name "Kansas" after the Kansa tribe. Douglas believed that the name was appropriate because it was a Native American name and it had historical significance for the region.

The name "Kansas" was officially adopted for the state in 1861 when it became the 34th state of the United States.

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