Buzz
Much like a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover, a community’s character isn’t defined by its name. Living in a town named Hell demands a good sense of humor, and its residents are eager to welcome visitors with open arms.
1. Hell, Michigan
Hell, Michigan, originated near a grist mill on what is currently known as Hell Creek. The name Hell is steeped in folklore, with one tale suggesting it came from a German traveler’s exclamation, "so schön hell!" meaning "so beautifully bright!" Another story credits grist mill owner George Reeves, who reportedly said, "Name it Hell for all I care," when asked about the town’s naming.
Hell capitalizes on its infamous name to attract tourists. Visitors can pay to become Mayor of Hell for a day or buy 1 square inch of the town for a mere $9.99.
2. Shades Of Death Road // Warren County, New Jersey
Shades of Death is a 7-mile stretch in Warren County, New Jersey, with a name shrouded in mystery. Theories range from the eerie fog of nearby Ghost Lake to stories of murders and hauntings along the route. The highway department frequently replaces signs stolen by collectors.
3. Frankenstein, Missouri
Frankenstein, Missouri, is a small town of around 30 residents near Jefferson City. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t named after Mary Shelley’s book or the movie Frankenstein, but after Gottfried Franken, who donated land for a church in 1890. This tight-knit community even has its own Facebook page and gained national attention in 1999 when Twentieth Century Fox organized an airdrop of 25 skydiving “Frankensteins” delivering VHS copies of the 25th anniversary edition of Young Frankenstein.
4. Hell For Certain, Kentucky
Hell for Certain, located in Leslie County, Kentucky, is officially known as Dryhill for those who find its colloquial name unsettling. The name originates from nearby Hell for Certain Creek, and legend has it that two men riding down a mountain once remarked, "This looks like hell," to which the other replied, "Yeah, for certain."
The U.S. Postal Service refuses to recognize the name (sometimes spelled Hell-Fer-Sartin).
5. Satan’s Kingdom // New Hartford, Connecticut
Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area, near New Hartford, Connecticut, derives its name from the rugged and notorious individuals who once inhabited the area. Signs marking the recreational spot are frequently stolen due to the intriguing name.
6. Transylvania, Louisiana
Transylvania, Louisiana owes its name to Dr. W. L. Richards, an early plantation owner who named it after Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, his alma mater. Despite its straightforward origin, the town has become a hotspot for ghost stories and legends. Embracing its eerie name, the community even features a bat painted on their water tower, celebrating the bats that help control mosquito populations in the nearby swamplands. Local gift shops capitalize on the theme, offering Dracula-themed souvenirs and memorabilia.
