I’ve lived in Florida for my entire life, so when people ask me where I’m from, I always have the same answer. Sometimes, I spice it up and call it the Sunshine State. Now I have a new nickname for my home: Flowery Easter.
This infographic shares the literal translation of every state in the U.S. Some of these are less surprising: Michigan translates to Great Lake. The state of Washington simply means the Home of the First President.
Others are a bit more wordy. Arkansas, for example, is actually the Land of Downriver People. California is the Mythical Island Califia, and Wisconsin means River running Through a Red Place. One more for you: West Virginia is “West of the Country of the Virgin.” Try saying that three times fast.
The map also includes terrain details, which helps us get an idea of why some of these states got their names. Others, like Illinois meaning “Speaks Normally,” will remain a mystery.
While we’re discussing history––have you ever considered the history of the Internet? It’s clearly allowed you to learn some cool stuff, but how did it all begin? Click here to find out.