How do places get their names?

Purpose: to understand the origins of how cities/towns in Arkansas got their names.

People have given names to features of the natural environment of Arkansas, including mountains, streams, springs, caves, etc. They have also given names to the environment, including towns and cities.

Most place names in Arkansas were given during the time of European settlement of the state, between 1600 and Some place names are French, Spanish, or other languages, since many of the early explorers of the state were from France, Spain, and other countries. Native Americans had their own place names, and the early settlers also adopted a number of these as well.

Many of the place names chosen by European explorers and early settlers reflect the natural characteristics of the area. For example, the town of Prairie Grove was established on a once vast tall-grass prairie located in Northwest Arkansas, and Hot Springs was named for the unique thermal springs that attract thousands of tourists to Hot Springs National Park each year.

Examples of Arkansas Cities Little Rock – Named for a stone used by settlers as a landmark Fayetteville – Named after a town in Tennessee, which was named after General Lafayette Pine Bluff: Named after the many Pine Trees there. Bentonville: Originally called Osage, after the native tribe, but later changed after Missouri politician Thomas Benton.

Tontitown: Named after Italian explorer Henri De Tonti. Texarkana: Named because of the shared border of Texas and Arkansas. Bella Vista: Italian for Beautiful View Pocahontas: Named after the native American princess Pocahontas