Why the name "Kanawha" was rejected as the name of the state of West Virginia

There were several reasons why "Kanawha" was rejected as the name for West Virginia, even though it initially seemed like a strong contender:

1. Confusion with existing names: One prominent concern was the potential confusion with the already existing Kanawha County within the newly formed state. Having both a state and a county with the same name was considered unusual and impractical.

2. Limited geographical scope: Some delegates felt that "Kanawha" did not accurately represent the entire state's territory, as it was primarily associated with the Kanawha River basin in the central region. They desired a name that encompassed the broader Western Virginian identity.

3. Lack of uniqueness: Another argument against "Kanawha" was that it seemed too similar to names of other states, such as Kansas and Kentucky. Delegates wanted a name that would distinguish West Virginia and assert its separate identity from Virginia.

4. Political considerations: While not openly discussed, political influences might have played a role. Some delegates from other regions within the new state might have preferred a name that didn't favor any specific area, like Kanawha, and opted for a more neutral choice like "West Virginia."

Ultimately, the desire for a name that reflected the state's distinct identity, encompassing its entire territory and avoiding confusion with existing entities, led to the rejection of "Kanawha" in favor of "West Virginia."

It's important to note that the debate over the state's name was complex and involved various viewpoints. However, the considerations mentioned above provide a good understanding of why "Kanawha" fell short of becoming the official name of the Mountain State.