Funny Names of Towns and Cities

New Book - Hometown Celebrations

2011-01-08T11:16:00.000-06:00

LIBERAL, KANSAS??

2010-10-13T19:23:00.002-05:00

Liberal, KS - The town was founded in 1888. Water was very scarce in the 1880’s but S.S. Rogers had dug a well on his homestead and offered free water to the visitors and their livestock who passed through the area. This was unusual because water was not free. The surprised visitors would comment to Rogers that “this was mighty liberal of you”. The name caught on and was known to travelers as Liberal. Kansas has always been considered a conservative state.

The Road to Success!

2010-09-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

Like thousands of other towns in the

United States

, this community reminds us of the spirit and perseverance of our ancestors. Their main goal was to be successful in their lives and provide a great environment for future generations. Many towns adopted names from adjectives or nouns describing their new hometown. Mystic, Luck, Competition, Defiance, and Surprise are examples of this method for naming their new communities. Speaking of the road to success, sometimes it was bumpy and full of dangerous curves for the early pioneers. Sometimes when they finally arrived, there expectations were different than what they actually experienced. Many communities did not survive. However, we know of no communities by the name of failure! You can always find “Success” in the states of Arkansas and New Hampshire.

Intercourse is just not the same today!

2010-09-03T17:30:00.002-05:00

Intercourse, PA - The town was originally founded in 1754. It was known as Cross Keys after a tavern in the area. There are several unsubstantiated versions of the origin of the name “Intercourse”. Some say the name described the long entrance to an old race track east of town. This stretch of road was first known as the “Entercourse”. By 1814, the name evolved into Intercourse. Another explanation suggests that the name comes from two well known traveled roads that crossed in the middle of the town. Today, the town is a well-known Amish settlement. Again, it is amazing how meanings of some names have changed and how we view them today.

Photo - Courtesy of Library of Congress

Troll Capital of the World

2010-08-23T14:30:00.000-05:00

Mount Horeb, WI

Troll Capital of the World

In the late 1800’s, more than 70% of the citizens living here were of Norwegian descent. Norwegian folklore has always told stories about trolls. Trolls are these ugly looking elf-like beings having only four fingers and a long crooked nose. It was thought they guarded treasures of diamonds and gold. The troll phenomenon in this community started back in the mid 1970’s. A local Scandinavian gift shop began displaying statues of trolls on their lawn to attract business. The trolls became so popular with the citizens that they went troll crazy. There are many troll businesses located on Mount Horeb’s Trollway. PS. The Grumpy Troll Brew & Pub is a great place to eat and drink!

Baraboo, Wisconsin

2010-08-15T17:37:00.000-05:00

What a great name and what a great town! The town was named after the Baribeau brothers who once operated a mill in this area. The folklore says one day the brothers got into an argument. After this fierce debate, one brother packed up and headed toward Canada. The other brother stayed and changed his name to Baraboo!

The town was home to the Ringling Brothers in the late 19th century. The Ringling Circus stayed here for the winter until 1918. Today, you will find a treasure when you visit this wonder town. The town hosts the Circus World Museum and entertains you with live circus performances along with the great history of the Ringling Brothers. A real treat!!

Bowlegs, Oklahoma

2010-08-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

Bolek, also known as Billy Bowlegs, was a fierce Seminole Chief from Florida. After signing a treaty in 1832, Bowlegs and his 200 warriors were peaceful until his fellow Seminole Chief Osceola was wrongfully imprisoned. Chief Bowlegs and his warriors led many successful raids against the U.S. Military. Finally in 1858, the government convinced Chief Bowlegs to relocate to the new Indian Territory in Oklahoma. He was given $10,000 dollars and each of his followers received $1,000. Here he became a prominent chief to his people and was once again peaceful. During the Civil War, he became a captain in the Union Army and was instrumental to the success in this region against the Confederacy. In 1864, the famous chief died of smallpox.

Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

Jenny Lind, CA & Lind, WI

2010-07-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

Jenny Lind was never an American citizen but she made such a memorable impression that both of these communities were named in her honor. Jenny Lind was a famous European opera singer who came to the United States in 1850 to do a two year tour. P.T. Barnum was her promoter and both enjoyed tremendous success to her standing room only performances. Jenny was known as the “Swedish Nightingale” and her ability to hit high F sharps drew crowds of people to her 91 American performances. When she arrived in America, there were over 40,000 people waiting to see a glimpse of her coming off the ship. It is reported that she made over 250,000 dollars while P.T. Barnum probably made 3 times as much. Unlike Barnum, Jenny Lind gave much of her fortunes to charities. She was well known for her philanthropy of funding many schools, hospitals and churches. Today, you can still find American streets named after her and the Jenny Lind beds and cribs are still popular pieces of furniture.

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Pie Town, New Mexico

2010-07-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

Pie Town, NM – A true pie story

Clyde Norman came to this area in 1922 to open up a mine. To keep his mining efforts alive, Clyde opened up a gas station to supplement his income. Clyde was a great pie maker and started selling his pies to his gas station customers. His pies became so popular with the customers many of the locals who lived in the area referred to his business as “Pie Town”. Clyde teamed up with a local cowboy, Harmon Craig, in 1923. Harmon added his famous chili to the menu and now the gas station was also a restaurant. Clyde sold his part of the business to Harmon in 1924. Harmon’s wife and daughters kept the pies famous and the customers kept coming. In 1927, a post office was added and “Pie Town” became an official town. The town still exists and is located about 160 miles southwest of Albuquerque. The town is small but you can still get a great piece of pie. Every September, the citizens celebrate the “Annual Pie Town Festival”.

Guess who lives in METROPOLIS, ILLINOIS?

2010-07-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

Metropolis, IL

Superman Celebration

Who lives in Metropolis? Superman does and if you visit this town you will believe it. You will find the Superman Museum, a giant statue of Superman, and a new statue of Lois Lane. The recently installed Lois Lane statue honors the town’s First Lady, actress Noel Neill. Neill became famous for her role as Lois Lane in the 1950’s Superman TV series. For the past 30 years, Metropolis has hosted the “Superman Celebration” honoring the famous “Man of Steel”. This four day festival includes plenty of fun for everyone. There is a carnival, live entertainment, food, and a Superman costume contest with the winner taking home a $1,000 prize. You will also enjoy a pageant for super girls, super boys, and super dogs. Another great attraction is the celebrity autograph sessions featuring many famous stars of Superman movies and television. Yes, if you are lucky, you can even get a picture and an autograph with Noel Neill, the real Lois Lane!

Sa-Dale-Ya, Missouri --- Once the Ragtime Capital

2010-07-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Sedalia, Missouri

Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival

If you remember the music from the movie “The Sting” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, you have heard the music of Scott Joplin. Joplin was a famous ragtime black musician and composer in the early 1900’s. His music is world renowned and Sedalia, MO was his birthplace. In 1899, Joplin became famous for his musical piece “Maple Leaf Rag”. Within six months Maple Leaf Rag sold over 75,000 copies. However, as the music scene changed so did Joplin’s fame and fortune. In 1917, he died nearly penniless and all but forgotten. In his honor, the community hosts this festival each year. If you would like to enjoy the music or learn an early 20th century dance, this is your venue. Many famous musicians display their talent throughout these days and draw more than 6,000 visitors to this festival.

It was an Accident - Maryland!

2010-07-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

Accident, MD – It was an accident!

In the early 1700’s, George Deakins was given over 600 acres of land in this area by King George II of England. Deakins wanted to plat the land to establish a town. He hired two surveyors and instructed each of them to choose the best location for the town. Deakins and the town citizens studied the findings of both surveyors. To their surprise, each surveyor had chosen the same tree and area of land to plat for their new community. Deakins and the citizens exclaimed this must be an “accident”! Because of this coincidence, both Deakins and the citizens agreed that “accident” surely must be the name for their town. Shortly afterwards, the town became known as “Accident”. Throughout the evolution of naming America’s new towns we find fate, superstition or just plain accidents are responsible for the some of our community names.

The Crook in Colorado - Crook, Colorado

2010-06-19T18:04:00.000-05:00

Born in Ohio in 1828, George Crook rose quickly to success in his military career. Crook started his military career in 1852 and just ten years later became a brigadier general during the Civil War. He led many successful campaigns for General Ulysses S. Grant in the defeat of the Confederacy. After the Civil War, General Crook led campaigns against the Apaches and Paiutes bringing peace to the Southwest and Western territories. He was well respected by his Indian competitors who nicknamed him the “Grey Fox”. Crook became a great proponent for the rights and liberties of the American Indian. Crook often pointed out the atrocities and was outraged with the injustice being done to the Apaches in the Southwest.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

You Meet the Nicest People in the Friendliest Places!

2010-06-02T21:54:00.003-05:00

I went to a very unique celebration recently. Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky was celebrating their first annual "Hometown Reunion". It was the best hometown reunion I have ever experienced. The people there had one thing in common. They either grew up together in this community or they had a special connection with someone from Monkey's Eyebrow. Let me introduce you to some of them.

Joe Culver - Our host of the event. Joe grew up in Monkey's Eyebrow and has recently moved back to enjoy some retirement. Knowing Joe, that probably won't last for long. Joe has been a newspaper man, lawyer, and for many years the Public Relations Director for the Dept of Energy. Today, I would consider Joe the mayor, sherrif and the director of tourism for Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky. Joe runs a great website www.monkeyseyebrow.org/. You really need to check this sight out because Joe shares wonderful stories about life, love, and anything else which is important. You can also get some great Monkey's Eyebrow T-shirts and coffee cups at this site. You will always know when you reach Monkey's Eyebrow because Joe has his own sign which reads "Joe's Place, Monkey's Eyebrow".

Notible citizens of Ballard County and Monkey's Eyebrow, KY

Special Guests

It was a wonderful day! People brought old newspaper clippings from the past featuring stories of this community. Some of the previous citizens travelled from as far as Michigan and Wisconsin. They shared stories about thier ancestors who had businesses here. Joe's friends, Dave Anna and Dave Clarke traveled from Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach to celebrate this event. Anna and Clarke are professional photographers who snapped shots and made a video of the event. (http://www.microdac.com/) Anita Bugg from the Ballard County newspaper reported the event. It was the best intimate hometown celebration I ever attended! Joe, I will be back next year to celebrate with your friends and family. This is real America!

The scenery at Monkey's Eyebrow, KY

Creve Coeur, MO - A great Indian story!

2010-05-11T17:59:00.000-05:00

The name is French for “broken heart”. According to legend, an Indian princess fell in love with a French fur trapper sometime during the 1700’s. However, the fur trapper did not feel the same passion for romance as his young Indian lady friend. After months of trying to seduce the fur trapper, the Indian princess became distraught and filled with depression. The Indian princess felt life was no longer worth living if she could not be with her one and only true love. Devastated and heart broken she went to a nearby lake and leaped into the water. Unable to swim the lake engulfed the life of the Indian princess and she drowned. Shortly after her death the lake then formed into a “broken heart”. Both the city and the lake are now called Creve Coeur after this legendary story. This heart-shaped lake near St. Louis is still there. If you need directions be sure you pronounce the name correctly. It’s “Creeve Core”!

Photo Courtesy Library of Congress

Rabbit Hash, KY

2010-04-20T20:37:00.005-05:00

Rabbit Hash, KY - The town acquired its name from the events of a major flood that happened in the area. The name came into existence in 1847. A huge flood ravished the settlement during this time. A large rabbit population retreated into this area from the rising waters and became the main food source for the citizens. There were so many rabbits that the local people created a special stew called “hash”. The dish became so popular that the community adopted the name of “Rabbit Hash”. The town was completely submerged in 1937 by another flood. Today, only the Rabbit Hash General Store stands in this community. I’m not sure about the rabbit population!

Rabbit Hash Recipe - FYI!

1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked rabbit

1/3 cup of shortening

3 potatoes

3 onions

½ teaspoon of celery salt

½ teaspoon of salt

You should also know:
The town always elects an animal as its mayor. Really!

½ teaspoon of pepper

Toad Suck, AR - It does exist!

2010-04-06T19:59:00.001-05:00

Toad Suck, AR - Toad Suck Daze festival - April 30 - May 2

Located on the Arkansas River, Toad Suck claims one of the most unique legends. Way back when, this is where the river captains and their crews chose to relax. Along with the river traffic came many questionable characters. Drinking was often the recreation for both the employees of the river industry and the shady people who hung out in this area. Early settlers to this area observed the excessive drinking going on and named the drinking patrons as “Toad Sucks”. They exclaimed “these people sucked on their whiskey and swelled up like toads”! The area became known as “Toad Suck”. Every May, a three day festival known as Toad Daze is held in nearby Conway, AR. Thousands of people attend and a good time is experienced by all. Events during the festival include various toad races, a Mardi Daze parade and a toad pageant. There is plenty of food and usually a major country western star performs on Saturday night. Also, you will find a lot of unique “Toad Suck” merchandise available for sale!

Americus, Georgia

2010-03-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

In 1497, Amerigo Vespucci discovered a new continent when he landed in present day South America. During this time, map makers were trying to decide on a new name for Vespucci’s continent. Famous German map maker, Martin Waldseemuller, created a map signifying this new continent as “America” in honor of Amerigo Vespucci. The map maker chose the Latin version of Amerigo because he wanted to have the new name of the continent end in an “a” similar to other continents like Africa and Asia. The name “America” and other derivatives of Amerigo caught on and became very popular in naming the “New World”. Names like Americus, Liberty and Independence followed and became synonymous with the spirit of freedoms being found in this new land.

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Hell, Michigan

2010-03-13T13:36:00.000-06:00

Hell, MI – The story from Hell!

George Reeves established a community here in 1838. George also ran a whiskey still and got some of his neighbors in trouble. Their wives would often exclaim “their husbands had gone to Hell” (referring to George’s still) where they would hang out and drink with George. In 1841, the State of Michigan asked George what was going to be the name of his new town. George exclaimed “Call it Hell, everyone else does”. The name was accepted! Excessive drinking was a growing concern during the early growth of the United States. Often, people associated the drinking of any alcohol with a devilish behavior. The temperance movement became a prominent national movement by the end of the 19th century. Later, prohibition became the law in the early 20th century in the United States. By the way, it does get cold here in the winter and Hell does occasionally freeze over!

Tuxedo, NY & the TUXEDO SUIT

2010-03-06T11:59:00.000-06:00

In 1886, Pierre Lorillard IV built an exclusive country club here. He named it the “Tuxedo Club”. It was a private country club and only exclusive socialites were included in its membership. One of its members was wealthy millionaire, James Potter. Potter was friends with Edward VII of England, the Prince of Wales. The Prince fancied Potter’s wife, Cora, and invited both of them to come visit him in England. Potter was impressed with Edward’s smoking jacket. The Prince replied that it was manufactured by the Henry Poole Company in England and that the company had exclusively designed it for him. Potter liked the Prince’s suit so well that he had a duplicate made. When Potter returned to his hometown to show it off, his wealthy friends at the Tuxedo County Club were ecstatic. It was such a hit that all of the country club members started sporting this new fashion in apparel and the tuxedo became the popular attire for the club’s social events. Later, other wealthy American socialites joined in on the new fashion. However, no one knows for sure how impressed Cora Potter was with the Prince of Wale’s tuxedo. I guess only the Prince and Cora know!

Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Angels Camp, CA - A Great Story!

2010-03-01T15:39:00.000-06:00

Angels Camp, CA - In 1848, Henry Angel was looking for gold in this area. Henry was from Rhode Island and not having much luck with his venture. He decided to open up a trading post. Gold was finally discovered nearby from other fortune seekers and his town began to flourish. At one time, there were over 4,000 miners searching for gold around Henry’s new town. The town became known as Angels Camp and Henry began to rake in the profits. Later, the town became famous for frog jumping contests.

According to legend, Mark Twain spent a few days here around 1865. During a drinking session, Ben Coon, the bartender, told Twain of a story about a jumping frog here in Calaveras County. Mark Twain elaborated on the information and published another one of his famous books “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”. The town became famous from this Mark Twain story. Twain tells of a gold rush town named Angels Camp with a frog jumping contest. Today, the community lives up to its name. Since 1928, the community hosts the Annual Frog Jumping Contest.

Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

Gnaw Bone, IN - Lost in Translation!

2010-02-18T17:28:00.000-06:00

Early French settlers started this Indiana community naming their new town Narbonne to honor the city in France. When the English settlers arrived they translated the name of “Narbonne” to “Gnaw Bone”. There are many towns throughout the United States where the original names were eventually translated into something completely different. As the United States expanded, it took on many different dialects. Eastern and Southern accents often evolved into a whole new meaning. As the English language became the spoken language across the United States, many translations became misinterpretations. As in this case, the name “Gnaw Bone” had a different meaning and nothing to do with the original founders intended name for their community. The post office was often the final arbitrator of decisions and sometimes mistakes were made. The post office was very reluctant to change a name once they made a decision.

Tucumcari, New Mexico

2010-02-08T18:57:00.000-06:00

Tucumcari, NM

The name comes from an unbelievable Indian legend riddled with tragedy. Chief Wautonomah of the Apache Indian tribe was close to death. The chief had to decide which of his two finest braves would succeed him as the new chief. The names of the two braves were Tonopah and Tocom. These two braves hated each other and both were in love with Kari, Chief Wautonomah’s pretty daughter. The chief decided Tonopah and Tocom would fight each other to decide who would become the new chief and win the hand of Kari. When the fight began, Kari, the young Indian maiden, was hiding to see which brave would survive the fight. Tonopah plunged his weapon into Tocom’s heart, mortally wounding the brave. Kari was truly in love with Tocom and ambushed Tonopah. She plunged her knife into Tonopah’s heart and then took her own life. When Chief Wautonomah discovered his deceased daughter, he plunged her knife into his own heart. As he died from his mortal wound he cried out, “Tocom-Kari”. The area was known thereafter as “Tucumcari”. Later, the word “tucumcari” was a term used by the Indians meaning “place of ambush”.

Creve Coeur, MO - A Great Indian Story

2010-01-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

Intercourse, PA - It's just not the same today!

2010-01-14T13:01:00.000-06:00

Intercourse, PA - The town was originally founded in 1754. It was known as Cross Keys after a tavern in the area. There are several unsubstantiated versions as to the origin of the name “Intercourse”. Some say the name described the long entrance to an old race track east of town. This stretch of road was first known as the “Entercourse”. By 1814, the name evolved into Intercourse. Another explanation suggests the name comes from two well known and traveled roads which crossed in the middle of the town. Today, the town is a well-known Amish settlement. Again, it is amazing how meanings of some names have changed and how we view them today.