To The Indians Word "Iowa" Meant Beautiful Land

BLACK HAWK

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/1/2015 at 13:23:54

The Leon Journal-Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, July 14, 1938

IOWA TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL EDITION

To The Indians Word "Iowa" Meant Beautiful Land

[Page 12] Several stories and more than one meaning surround the word "Iowa," which is generally accepted as "The Beautiful Land," even in the face of authorities who have said this translation is erroneous.

When Black Hawk and his Sac Indians overspread Iowa, the use of the word became general. It signified "This is the place." It was used also to mean "Crossing, or going over."

"This is the place" is understood to be the true meaning of the word, and signifies that it was a good place to camp.

The word, "Iowa," was originally "Kiowa." The Indians were partial to the letter "K" and it occurs more than once in most of the important words in their language.

An illustration of the way the word was used 100 years ago has been given by several authorities. If a party of Indians were traveling, when camping-time came and the chief found a suitable spot, he would exclaim, "Kiowa," and the party understood it was a good place to camp.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2015