Monongalia County was formed in 1776 from the District of West Augusta, and all or parts of 21 other counties, including three in Pennsylvania, were carved from it. It was named for the Monongahela River, bearing an Indian name meaning the "River of Caving Banks." Pennsylvania was named for William Penn, to whom it was granted in 1681 by Charles II. In 1682, Penn made his first settlement at Philadelphia. Early settlements had been made by the Swedes in 1838. It was one of the thirteen original colonies.