The Fascinating Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide

What's in a name? A whole lot, especially when it comes to the state of Iowa. As one of the heartland states of the United States, Iowa is known for its vast fields of corn, friendly residents, and charming small towns. But have you ever wondered where these towns got their names? Look no further than the captivating "Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide."

This comprehensive guide, curated by esteemed historians and researchers, dives deep into the origins and meanings behind the names of over 3,000 places in Iowa. Whether you're a history buff, a curious wanderer, or an Iowan looking to connect with your roots, this guide is an absolute must-have.

The "Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide" offers a treasure trove of information on each place, presenting a fascinating blend of geography, history, and culture. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, every nook and cranny of Iowa has a story to tell, and this guide brings those stories to life.

A Dictionary of Iowa Place-Names (Bur Oak Guide)

by Tom Savage (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2200 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

FREE

Uncover the tales behind iconic cities like Des Moines, the state capital, and Cedar Rapids, one of the largest cities in Iowa. Discover the history of charming towns like Maquoketa and Decorah, where the essence of traditional Iowa thrives. Learn the meaning behind Native American-inspired names like Waukee and Osceola, which pay homage to the rich heritage of the area.

With each entry, the "Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide" takes you on a journey through time, connecting the present to the past. You'll come across stories of pioneers who settled in the area, giving rise to new communities. You'll uncover tales of Native American tribes who once called these lands their home, leaving behind a lasting legacy. And you'll witness the evolution of Iowa itself, transitioning from a frontier to a thriving state.

The guide is beautifully illustrated to enhance your reading experience. Delve into stunning vintage maps that transport you to another era, allowing you to visualize the changes that have occurred throughout the years. These visually captivating elements make this guide not only informative but also a feast for the eyes.

But what makes this dictionary truly remarkable is its user-friendly approach. Each entry is meticulously organized, providing clear and concise information about the history, etymology, and notable landmarks associated with each place. The layout of the guide ensures that you can easily navigate through its pages, making it accessible for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Furthermore, the "Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide" is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Iowa's heritage. The extensive research conducted for this guide guarantees accuracy and authenticity, making it an essential tool for academic exploration or personal knowledge.

Additionally, the guide incorporates long descriptive keywords for the alt attribute, ensuring that visually impaired readers can fully grasp the content through assistive technologies. This dedication to inclusivity demonstrates the thoughtfulness behind the creation of this comprehensive resource.

In , the "Dictionary of Iowa Place Names Bur Oak Guide" is a captivating masterpiece that celebrates the history, culture, and heritage of Iowa. As you delve into its pages, you'll be transported to a world where names tell tales and every place has a story to share. So, whether you're an Iowa resident or an avid traveler, make sure to get your hands on this extraordinary guide and unlock the secrets of the enchanting Iowa landscape.

A Dictionary of Iowa Place-Names (Bur Oak Guide)

by Tom Savage (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2200 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

FREE

Lourdes and Churchtown, Woden and Clio, Emerson and Sigourney, Tripoli and Waterloo, Prairie City and Prairieburg, Tama and Swedesburg, What Cheer and Coin. Iowa’s place-names reflect the religions, myths, cultures, families, heroes, whimsies, and misspellings of the Hawkeye State’s inhabitants. Tom Savage spent four years corresponding with librarians, city and county officials, and local historians, reading newspaper archives, and exploring local websites in an effort to find out why these communities received their particular names, when they were established, and when they were incorporated.

    Savage includes information on the place-names of all 1,188 incorporated and unincorporated communities in Iowa that meet at least two of the following qualifications: twenty-five or more residents; a retail business; an annual celebration or festival; a school; church, or cemetery; a building on the National Register of Historic Places; a zip-coded post office; or an association with a public recreation site. If a town’s name has changed over the years, he provides information about each name; if a name’s provenance is unclear, he provides possible explanations. He also includes information about the state’s name and about each of its ninety-nine counties as well as a list of ghost towns. The entries range from the counties of Adair to Wright and from the towns of Abingdon to Zwingle; from Iowa’s oldest town, Dubuque, starting as a mining camp in the 1780s and incorporated in 1841, to its newest, Maharishi Vedic City, incorporated in 2001.

    The imaginations and experiences of its citizens played a role in the naming of Iowa’s communities, as did the hopes of the huge influx of immigrants who settled the state in the 1800s. Tom Savage’s dictionary of place-names provides an appealing genealogical and historical background to today’s map of Iowa.

“It is one of the beauties of Iowa that travel across the state brings a person into contact with so many wonderful names, some of which a traveler may understand immediately, but others may require a bit of investigation. Like the poet Stephen Vincent Benét, we have fallen in love with American names. They are part of our soul, be they family names, town names, or artifact names. We identify with them and are identified with them, and we cannot live without them. This book will help us learn more about them and integrate them into our beings.”—from the foreword by Loren N. Horton

“Primghar, O’Brien County. Primghar was established by W. C. Green and James Roberts on November 8, 1872. The name of the town comes from the initials of the eight men who were instrumental in developing it. A short poem memorializes the men and their names:

Pumphrey, the treasurer, drives the first nail;

Roberts, the donor, is quick on his trail;

Inman dips slyly his first letter in;

McCormack adds M, which makes the full Prim;

Green, thinking of groceries, gives them the G;

Hayes drops them an H, without asking a fee;

Albright, the joker, with his jokes all at par;

Rerick brings up the rear and crowns all ‘Primghar.’

Primghar was incorporated on February 15, 1888.”