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The name “America” might sound like it’s been around forever, but it actually comes from a very specific moment in history. Imagine a mapmaker in the early 1500s, deciding what to call a newly charted land. One choice, one name, and suddenly an entire continent had its identity. Who Is America Named After? America is named after Amerigo Vespucci , an Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Unlike Christopher Columbus, who believed he had reached Asia, Vespucci realized these lands were part of a “New World.” A German cartographer, Martin Waldseemüller, published a famous world map in 1507. On it, he labeled the new continent “America” after the Latinized version of Vespucci’s first name, Americus . That map was widely circulated, and the name stuck. Why Amerigo Vespucci and Not Columbus? It might seem odd that Columbus didn’t get naming rights, since he’s often credited with “discovering” the Americas. But timing, reputation, an...

Letters from an American is more than just a newsletter—it's a daily historical commentary that bridges the gap between current events and the deeper roots of American democracy . Authored by Heather Cox Richardson , a respected historian and professor , the newsletter has become a vital source of insight for citizens eager to understand the political shifts shaping the United States. 🖊️ What is Letters from an American ? At its core, Letters from an American is a newsletter written by a historian , offering a unique blend of academic rigor and accessible narrative. Launched in 2019 on Substack , it quickly gained traction for its ability to contextualize modern politics within America’s long and often complex history. Unlike typical news coverage, Richardson’s letters focus on what events mean , rather than just what happened. This approach invites readers to reflect on the enduring themes of American governance , such as freedom , justice , and constitutional integrity ....