The word "Multnomah" is a bit tricky to spell at first glance, but it's actually quite simple once you break it down. The first syllable, "Mult," is pronounced with a long "u" sound and a slightly soft "t" at the end. The second syllable, "no," is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a soft "n" at the end. Finally, the last syllable, "mah," is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a hard "h" at the end. So, altogether, "Multnomah" is spelled as it sounds: [mʌltˈnoʊmə].
Multnomah is a geographical term referring to a county, river, and a Native American tribe located in the state of Oregon, in the United States. Starting with the county, Multnomah County is one of the 36 counties in Oregon and is situated in the northwestern part of the state. It covers an area that stretches from the Columbia River to the Cascade Range. Known for its diverse landscape, Multnomah County includes the city of Portland, which is the state's largest city and economic hub. The county is characterized by its urban environment, stunning natural landscapes, and the famous Multnomah Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled in the Columbia River Gorge.
Multnomah is also the name of a prominent river in Oregon. The Multnomah River flows through Multnomah County, originating in the Cascade Range and merging with the Willamette River in Portland. This river played an essential role in the history and development of the region, serving as a transportation route for trade and commerce, as well as a source of water and natural resources.
Lastly, Multnomah is the name of a Native American tribe indigenous to the region. The Multnomah people were part of the Chinookan-speaking tribes, who inhabited the Pacific Northwest, particularly the areas near the Columbia River. They had a rich cultural heritage and relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Today, their legacy and contributions to the history of Oregon are preserved and celebrated, honoring the deep roots of the Multnomah tribe in the region.
The word "Multnomah" has its origins in the Chinook Jargon, a trading language that originated in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is a combination of two Chinook Jargon words: "multno" and "ma", which mean "downriver" and "towards" respectively. When combined, "Multnomah" is roughly translated to mean "downriver people" or "towards the water".
The term was originally used to refer to the indigenous people of the area, known as the Multnomah tribe or Chinookan-speaking people. Over time, it began to be used to describe the area itself, including the river and the namesake county in Oregon. Today, Multnomah County encompasses the city of Portland and its surrounding areas.