County Names #2

Chautauqua- a contraction of a Seneca Indian word meaning "where fish was taken out"

Chemung - derived from the name of the Delaware Indian village signifying "big horn" (Chemung Co. Historical Society Museum has a display about this horn)

Chenango -  from the Onondaga Indian word meaning "large bull thistle"

Clinton-  in honor of George Clinton -first governor of the state. 

Columbia -the Latin feminine form of Columbus, the name was popular at the time as a proposed name for the United States of America.

Cortland-   in honor of Pierre Van Cortlandt who was the first lieutenant governor of the state (in 1777- he was the president of the convention at Kingston, NY  that framed the state's first constitution ).

Delaware - in honor of Lord Delaware who was appointed governor of Virginia in 1609 ,and in recognition of his services to early colonists.

Dutchess- in honor of the Dutchess of York, wife of James II

Erie- derived from the tribe of Indians living in Western New York prior to 1654.

Interesting names -Unless you are a student of  our country's early history -some are probably new and     -especially to our children and grandchildren .   
 Some good trivia questions !!!!       More another day  
Kitty





Across the street from Addison Redeemer Episcopal Church

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