A multitude of people, cultures, foreign nations, including many early Native American nations had a great influence on naming U.S. locations. As the country grew both geographically and with its own history emerging from Westward expansion, the U.S. Postal Service, railroads, technology inventors and entertainment shows and personalities, this also contributed to America's name diversity. There is a story behind every name and if you know it you become a better conversationalist, more appreciative of the areas you have visited and lived in, and it may add to your vacation travel list. Welcome to the entomology of American location names for states, cities, communities, rivers and national parks, and selected colleges and universities.