Why is it pronounced Arkansaw?

[mariner2]

Why is Kansas pronounced Kansas, but Arkansas is pronounced Arkansaw?

[spudqueen]

Arkansas is the only state with an official pronunciation! Anyway, this is what I've found
http://www.booneville.com/C-History.htm

[sddsddean]

For the same reason Wymondham is pronounced Wind-um and Cogenhoe is pronounced Cook-no. They just are!

[spudqueen]

Yes sddsddean, and Barnoldswick is pronounced Barlick and there are two places in Lancashire called Claughton. One is pronounced Cl-eye-ton and the other is pronounced Clafton!