Did you know these US cities changed their names?
Many iconic cities in the US used to have different names. America is a vast land, and one where explorers and settlers have fought over territory. From Native American names to those adopted after the United States became a country, there are plenty of examples that are worth a mention. For instance, did you know that New York City used to be called New Amsterdam?
Charles Town
In 1670, English colonists founded a new settlement and named it Charles Town, in honor of King Charles II.
New Amsterdam
Originally a Dutch settlement, New Amsterdam was an important part of the 17th-century New Netherland colony.
El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles
El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles was originally founded by the Spanish in 1781.
Trimount
Trimount was named after a large hill with three peaks, which was later cut down.
Losantiville
Located opposite the mouth of the Licking River, settlers called the area Losantiville in 1788.
Terminus / Marthasville
This city was located at the end of a railroad line, so it was known as Terminus. Governor Wilson Lumpkin then renamed it Marthasville, after his daughter.
Swilling's Mill
Once home to the Hohokam people, Swilling's Mill was founded by Confederate veteran Jack Swilling in 1867.
The Clearing
There used to be a place called The Clearing. When it came to name it, two settlers tossed a penny.
Yerba Buena
Yerba Buena was the name of a bayside settlement in present-day California. Yerba Buena is the name of a plant indigenous to the area.
San Miguel
San Miguel was discovered in 1542 by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
Waterloo
Waterloo was once home to the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes.
Cowford
The area was originally home to the Timucua tribe. Then, in 1562, French settlers built Fort Caroline, only to be invaded by the Spanish a few years later, who gave it the name San Matteo. Then in the 18th century, it fell under English control and was renamed Cowford.
New York-Alki
In 1851, pioneers arrived in Alki Point and named the new settlement New York-Alki, after New York City.
Imnizaskadan / Pig’s Eye
Imnizaskadan, or "little white rock," was the name given by Native Americans to the area in the 1600s. In 1838, fur trader Pierre “Pig's Eye” Parrant named the settlement Pig's Eye Landing.
