How Did Paris Illinois Get Its Name?

By Anna Duncan

Paris, Illinois is a city located in the United States of America. It is the county seat of Edgar County, Illinois. The history of Paris dates back to the early 19th century when it was founded by settlers from Kentucky and Indiana.

The Origin of the Name

The name Paris was given to this city in honor of the French capital city of Paris. However, there are several theories about how it came to be named after the famous European city.

The French Connection

One theory suggests that Paris, Illinois was named after the French capital city because of its strategic location on a large prairie. The settlers believed that this location resembled the open fields around Paris, France.

The Influence of Napoleon

Another theory suggests that Paris was named after Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite sister-in-law, Princess Maria Letizia Ramolino. She was also known as Madame Mère (Mother). The settlers who founded Paris admired Napoleon and his family and wanted to honor them by naming their settlement after one of his relatives.

The Role of Thomas Jefferson

The third theory suggests that Thomas Jefferson played a role in naming Paris. According to this theory, Jefferson visited France in 1784 and fell in love with its culture and architecture. He may have suggested the name Paris for this reason when he saw the beautiful prairie landscapes near Edgar County.

Conclusion

Whatever the true origin may be, it is clear that Paris, Illinois has a rich history and unique name that has stood the test of time. Today, visitors can still see evidence of its past through its historic buildings and landmarks located throughout the city.