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South American Capital Cities and the Story Behind Their Names

The southern American states are home to many capitals of states, counties, and other locations with capital status. Each of the 18 states that make up the South American region has its capital city. These cities of America are named for their place and a person who played a crucial role in establishing the area. 

Alabama: Montgomery

The current capital city of Alabama is a city of both history and modernity. Founded in 1819, Montgomery quickly grew to become a prosperous and influential city. The city is named for the fourth President of the United States, John Buchanan. The Alabama Territory established these types of cities in America, so it is a legal requirement that the capital is within the state’s borders.

The town is a particularly significant location in U.S. history because it was here that the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, gave his “State of the Union” address (otherwise known as the “Annual Message to Congress”).

Florida: Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and the second-largest city in the state. This popular tourist destination is widely known for its beautiful landscape and deep, rich culture. This city was established by Spanish explorers who named it after the native South American tribe that lived in the area, and the tribe was known as the Tallahassee Indians. The word Tallahassee itself translates to “old town.”

Georgia: Atlanta

Atlanta is the Capital City of Georgia and is the most densely populated city. This city is known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy. The town was established in 1837 and was named after the leader of the Georgia Colony, James Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe was a British Royal Navy officer and philanthropist who formed the Georgia Colony. He wanted to create a colony that treated native South Americans justly and would provide a haven for debtors and other impoverished people.

Louisiana: Baton Rouge and New Orleans

Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s Capital City and is the largest capital city in America. This city is trendy and is known for its thriving arts and culture scene. Baton Rouge is named after the bayou that runs through the town. The name itself is a combination of the French words “batel-rouge” (meaning “red boat”) and “batel-dubois” (“wooden boat”). New Orleans is the most famous city in Louisiana and is widely known as one of the most iconic cities in America. This city is renowned for its rich culture and deep-rooted history. New Orleans was established in 1718 and was named after the French Duke of Orleans. The most famous landmark in the city is, without a doubt, the iconic French Quarter.

Missouri: Jefferson City and (currently) Kansas City

Jefferson City is the Capital of Missouri. This city was established in 1799 and is named after the third President of the U.S., Thomas Jefferson. The city is the state’s second-most populous city but was initially granted the title of Capital when the state was admitted to the U.S. in 1821. Kansas City is the Capital of Missouri, while Jefferson City is being reconstructed following significant flooding that hit the state in 2017. The title was officially transferred to Kansas City in June 2019, and officials say it will remain there until the rebuilding is complete. The city has a long and celebrated history and was initially established in 1853 by a group of pioneers heading west. These pioneers decided to name the city “Kansas City” after an Indian tribe called the “Kaw” or “Kansa.”

South Carolina: Columbia and Charleston

Columbia is the Capital of South Carolina and is the most populous city in America. This city is known for its vibrant culture and thriving music scene. Columbia was founded in 1786 as “Columbia” and is named after the Roman goddess of the same name. The city was established within the borders of South Carolina. Charleston is the most important city in South Carolina and is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S. This city is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Columbia and Charleston are neighbouring cities known as the “Twin Cities.” This is because the two cities of America have strong cultural and historical links in South America.

Texas: Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio and Texarkana

Austin is the Capital of Texas and is the second-most populous city in the state. This city is known for its thriving culture. It is widely considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. Austin was established in 1839 and was named after the first Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S., Samuel Austin. Austin was a popular name for people involved in the colonisation of Texas. Corpus Christi is one of Texas’s most significant cities and the third-most populous city in the state. This city is known for its beautiful beaches and is an important tourist destination. Dallas is the Capital of Texas, while Houston is the largest city in the state. These two cities are known as the “Twin Cities” because they are so close. Houston is the most populous city in Texas and is named after the first President of the U.S., Houston. San Antonio is the most significant city in Texas and is the second-most populous city in the state. This city is known for its rich culture and beautiful natural landscape. Texarkana is a city on the border of Texas and Arkansas. This city is known for its strong connections with the culture and history of Arkansas.

Conclusion

The southern United States is home to many capitals of states, counties, and other locations with capital status. Indeed, each of the 18 states that make up the Southern American region has its capital city. These cities of America are all named for their location and a particular person — usually an influential individual from that region when the area established its first settlements. These historical figures were typically royalty or early settlers and explorers who played a crucial role in discovering or settling the area. Many of these names also have connections to local native South American tribes and their history.

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