Is New England Named as Such Because Many Cities Are Named After Cities in England?

The question of why the region of New England is named as such has long been a topic of curiosity. Some believe it is due to the many cities that are named after places in England. Others argue that the name predates the arrival of English settlers. Let's explore this further to find the truth behind the name.

Understanding the Name: A Historical Perspective

New England's name was not given by the settlers who arrived later but by explorer John Smith in 1616. This naming predates the establishment of any significant English settlements in the region. John Smith, a prominent English explorer and writer, gave the area the name "New England" to reflect the similarities between the land and coastal areas of England.

Origins and Early Settlements

While the region was officially named New England, it was indeed the English settlers who arrived later that gave many of the cities their English names. The cities such as Boston, Portland, and Plymouth, among others, were named after places in England with the same or similar names. This practice reflects the settlers' desire to maintain a sense of continuity and familiarity with their homeland, despite the great distance and the new environment.

Examples of City Names

These examples illustrate the practice of naming New England's cities after their English counterparts. For instance, "Portland" originally referred to a rocky headland in the English Channel, and the city in Maine was named after it due to its distinctive rocky coastline. Similarly, "Boston" was named after Boston in England, reflecting the cultural and linguistic ties between the two places.

Colonization and Expansion

During the period of English colonization, New England served as one of the principal colonies of the British Empire. The naming of these cities was a way for the settlers to assert their cultural and historical ties to England. This practice continued even after the establishment of New England as a distinct region, with the division into separate colonies eventually leading to the formation of the United States as a collection of states.

Further Insights

It is important to note that the region's name predates the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their landing at Plymouth in 1620. The name "New England" was established much earlier by Captain John Smith, long before any significant English settlements were founded. Therefore, the name was not given based on the city names but rather to reflect a similar coastal landscape and to honor the memory of the earlier explorers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the region known as New England was named by John Smith in 1616, long before the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The many cities within New England today bear names that are reminiscent of their English counterparts, reflecting the settlers' desire to maintain a cultural and historical link to their homeland. This practice continued throughout the colonization period and into the formation of the United States of America.