New Materials in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

What’s in a Name? New Books Available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

Anthropology classes visited the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection during the spring semester to complete a class project researching the origin of names of places in Indiana and the surrounding area. Students used maps and other resources to determine the meanings of names of towns, counties, and rivers. Two new reference books are now available in the GRMC to assist with this type of research: Indian Placenames in America, Volumes 1 and 2 by Sandy Nestor.

Indian Placenames in America, Volume 1, studies the origins of cities, towns, and villages across the United States. The book is arranged alphabetically by state, then by placename. Additional data include population figures and county names. For example, Shipshewana in LaGrange County received its name from Chief Shipshewana whose tribe was removed to Kansas in 1838. His name was interpreted as “vision of a lion,” and may come from folklore that claimed Shipshewana saw a lion in his dreams. Probable Indian placenames with no certain origin also receive entries, and as much history as possible is provided about these locations.

Indian Placenames in America, Volume 2, explains the names of mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes, creeks, forests, and other natural features. In addition to name origins and meanings, geophysical data such as heights of mountains and lengths of waterways are also indicated. Maxinkuckee Lake in Marshall County was derived from the Potawatomi word mog-sin-kee-ki, which means “big stone country,” in reference to the numerous rock bars situated in the lake.

These new materials are available in the GRMC Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 P.M. Contact the staff of the GRMC for more information about using these books in research and learning.