This massive reference work supplies the origins of all county (and parish) names in the United States. It is organized into 49 chapters, covering the 48 states with counties and the one state (Louisiana) with parishes (Alaska, with no comparable subdivisions, is omitted), each giving the counties in alphabetical order and ending with its own bibliography. Each entry, rich with historical details, explains the origins of its name. Among the diverse origins are such things as presidents, rivers, Indian tribes and military heroes. A general bibliography and full index complete this reference work.