Vermont was so called by the inhabitants in their Declaration of Independence, January 16th, 1777, from the French, verd mont, the green mountain.
Massachusetts was so called from Massachusetts Bay, and that from the Massachusetts tribe of Indians in the neighborhood of Boston. Massachusetts is said to signify “Blue Hills.”
Rhode Island was so called, in 1644, in reference to the Island of Rhodes, in the Mediterranean.
Connecticut was so called from the Indian name of its principal river. Connecticut is a Moheakanneew word, signifying long river.
New York was so called in 1664, in reference to the Duke of York and Albany, to whom this territory was granted by the King of England.
New Jersey was so called in 1664, from the Island of Jersey, on the coast of France, the residence of the family of Sir George Carteret, to whom this territory was granted.
Pennsylvania was so called in 1681, after William Penn.
Delaware was so called in 1703, from Delaware Bay, on which it lies, and which received its name from Lord de la War, who died in this bay.
Maryland was so called in honor of Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I., in his patent to Lord Baltimore, June 30, 1632.
Virginia was so called in 1584, after Elizabeth, the virgin Queen of England.