Indian Place Names in Alabama (Library Alabama Classics)

William A. Read

ISBN 10: 081730231X / ISBN 13: 9780817302313

Published by University Alabama Press, 1984

About this Item

revised edition. 128 pages. 9.25x6.25x0.50 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # 081730231X

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Indian Place Names in Alabama (Library Alabama Classics)
• Publisher: University Alabama Press
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 081730231X
• ISBN 13: 9780817302313
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.33 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Learn the Secrets of Alabama’s Fascinating Place Names

In Place Names in Alabama, readers embark on a captivating journey through the linguistic and cultural heritage embedded in the state’s geography. This masterful reference work, compiled by a renowned linguist and historian, unveils the origins and meanings of hundreds of towns, rivers, creeks, and landmarks―many rooted in Native American languages, colonial history, and local folklore. From the bustling streets of Tuscaloosa, whose name means “Black Warrior,” to Mobile, rooted in the name of the indigenous Maubila people, this book reveals the deep cultural and linguistic layers that shape Alabama’s identity. Other fascinating examples are Talladega, which traces its name to a Muscogee word meaning “border town” and Opelika, derived from Creek for “large swamp.”

Indian Place Names in Alabama is scholarly yet accessible, ideal for historians, educators, genealogists, and curious readers. It is richly annotated and includes historical maps, archival citations, and linguistic insights. Its etymologies include place names of Indigenous, French, Spanish, and English origin. Whether you're tracing ancestral roots, exploring regional history, or simply intrigued by the names on a map, Indian Place Names in Alabama offers a treasure trove of discovery. 

About the Author

William Alexander Read was a pioneer in the study of American Indian languages, particularly those spoken in the southeastern states. He made the study of Indian place names a particular specialty. James B. McMillan was added a foreword, appendix, and index to Read's orignial, incorporating material that has come to light since the first publication of this work in 1937.