Buzz
The United States is home to thousands of cities and towns, many of which are internationally recognized. Iconic places like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago are known far and wide. But today, we’re not focusing on those well-known cities. Instead, we’ll take a look at some of the most unusual and oddly named small towns in the country.
That’s right – we’re straddling the line between family-friendly and slightly risqué in this list. Get ready as we dive into the ten most peculiarly named towns in the U.S.! You might feel like you need a quick clean-up after reading this one—we certainly did while compiling it!
10. Tightsqueeze, VA
Let’s kick things off with one of the more innocent names on this list: Tightsqueeze, Virginia. Situated in Pittsylvania County, this quaint town earned its unique name due to two 19th-century shops that were built too close together along a road. According to local lore, in 1870, W.H. Colbert opened a general store in Pittsylvania County right on the edge of the street. Not long after, a man named Isiah Giles purchased a piece of land directly across the street and set up a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, squeezing the two businesses into a narrow space.
Colbert and Giles were so focused on their businesses and commercial success that they overlooked the narrow space between their shops. They had built their stores so close to the road that carriages and buggies could barely pass between them. The street between these two buildings became so cramped that it quickly gained a reputation across Pittsylvania County.
Word spread across the region about the “tight squeeze” on the road between the two stores. As time passed, the name stuck, and when a town eventually grew around the businesses of Colbert and Giles, it was naturally named “Tightsqueeze.” Nothing too strange here—just a straightforward story behind the name. Keep your mind on the road! (Or, in this case, on the narrow street.)
9. Reamstown, PA
In 1717, a man named Johann Eberhardt Riehm emigrated from his hometown of Liemen, Germany, to the United States. He settled in what would become Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. At the time, the area was known as Zoar. Riehm, often referred to by his middle name in America, made a home for himself and started a family, receiving permission from the local indigenous Cocalico people to settle peacefully in the region.
As time passed, Riehm’s descendants cultivated the land and expanded the area into a thriving tract. Eventually, Johann decided to Americanize his last name, changing it from “Riehm” to Ream. With legal approval from William Penn, Johann’s grandson, Tobias Ream, was granted the entire area as his property in 1760. With this change, the town that had once been known as Zoar was renamed Reamstown.
Over the course of the last three centuries, Reamstown has remained rather small. Even now, the unincorporated town boasts a population of just under 4,000 people. While its size might be modest, the name still manages to raise a few eyebrows and chuckles, especially from those with a less mature sense of humor. Sure, the origin of the town’s name is about as straightforward as it gets—a town named after the family who first settled there. But that doesn’t stop us from finding it amusing. There’s no harm in a good laugh!
8. Spread Eagle, WI
Now, let’s take a walk on the wild side. Far up in northern Wisconsin, near the state’s border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, sits a tiny town named Spread Eagle. When it comes to suggestive town names, this one might just be the winner. The area is isolated and rural, with many residents being part-time inhabitants—summer vacationers or hunters who own cabins and lodges in the area. So, while it’s sparsely populated, its name certainly draws attention, even if the town itself doesn’t attract a lot of permanent residents.
But where did this unusual name come from? A popular rumor suggests that Al Capone once owned a brothel in Spread Eagle, and that the women working there gave the town its cheeky moniker. While it’s true that Capone spent some time in the area, that’s not the true origin of the name. Unfortunately, the real reason behind Spread Eagle’s title is much simpler (and sillier) than that.
If you search for Spread Eagle, Wisconsin, on Google Maps, you’ll see it. From above, the nearby Chain of Lakes surrounding the small town supposedly resembles an eagle with its wings spread. At least, that’s the story we’re told. We gave it a try ourselves, and, to be honest… we didn’t exactly see the eagle. But maybe you will! Maybe this is some bizarre Rorschach Test, and we failed it spectacularly!
7. Tillicum, WA
When it comes to cheeky town names, few in America are as playful as Tillicum, Washington. Heard one way, it sounds like a rather bold and flirtatious command. But if we look at its origins in the Chinook language, we find something entirely different. In Chinook jargon, “Tillicum” simply means “Average Joe”—a term for regular, everyday people, not chiefs or leaders, but just common folks going about their daily lives. It’s the Chinook version of calling someone the ‘salt of the earth.’
As time passed, words like “tillicum” became quite significant. The Chinook language evolved into “Chinook Wawa,” a simplified pidgin used by indigenous groups as well as European and American traders during the 19th century. This common tongue was used to facilitate trade, and words like “tillicum” gained widespread familiarity. Eventually, it was adopted for town names, though those who chose it had no idea how it might be interpreted later. Awkward!
6. Hooker, OK
Texas County, Oklahoma, is a small and remote stretch of land in the panhandle, just north of Texas. This sparsely populated area is known for its cattle ranches, wide open plains, and a few farmers who have weathered the years. And, of course, there’s Hooker. How could we possibly forget Hooker?!
In 1873, a man by the name of John Threlkeld ventured into the Oklahoma Panhandle. His mission was to guide cattle through a rugged 40-mile stretch of land that others had shied away from. This region was considered too harsh for farming, too wild for taming, and even too difficult for cattle to flourish. But Threlkeld had a different vision and soon established a successful ranching operation. Over time, he earned the nickname “Hooker” due to his exceptional skill in roping cattle. He could hook them like no one else in the region!
As Threlkeld’s ranching venture grew in the remote northwest corner of Oklahoma, more settlers began to arrive. Eventually, the area had enough population to form a town, and thus, Hooker came into existence. Instead of naming the town after Threlkeld, which would have been difficult to pronounce, the locals chose to honor his nickname. And so, Hooker remained, solidifying its place in history. Remember, when it comes to Hooker, it's not a profession—it’s simply a place!
5. Climax, MI
Believe it or not, there are several towns across America named Climax, but the story of Climax, Michigan, is particularly amusing. Back in 1834, Caleb Eldred, along with his family, was exploring the barren Michigan plains in search of suitable farmland. After months of searching, he had yet to find a location that felt right—until one day, when the Eldreds arrived at what would eventually become Climax.
Eldred, sensing that the soil in this area was more fertile than what he had previously encountered, grew hopeful. To confirm, he asked his son, Daniel, to climb a tree and survey the surrounding land. From his high perch, Daniel gazed out at the vast prairie and called down to his father, saying, “This caps the climax of everything we saw.” And from that moment, the area became known as Climax!
Originally known as Climax Prairie, the town’s first settlers, the Eldred family, built their home on this land. Over the span of forty years, the name Climax Prairie remained in use. However, in 1877, the town simplified its name to just Climax, which certainly rolled off the tongue more easily. Today, Climax is still thriving, with around 800 residents who enjoy life midway between Chicago and Detroit, not far from Kalamazoo.
4. Horneytown, NC
To reach Climax, you have to pass through Horneytown first. Yes, you read that correctly—North Carolina has its very own Climax, and it's incredibly close to Horneytown! This tiny village, with only a few dozen residents, was named after the Horney family, who settled there long before the Civil War. The family ran a successful farm and established businesses in the area, but little did they know that the term 'horny' would evolve into such an amusing word in modern slang!
Horneytown is only 26 miles (42 km) from Climax, NC, and that's not the only interesting thing about this area. Just 47 miles (76 km) away from Horneytown lies another town called Erect. Yes, Erect. It’s quite a trio—Horneytown, Climax, and Erect—lined up in a row. Erect was founded in the early 18th century by German settlers known for their impressive pottery skills. These settlers also founded nearby towns with quirky names, including Steeds, Whynot, Hemp, and Lonely. But it’s the hilarious cluster of Horneytown, Climax, and Erect that really takes the cake.
3. Cumming, GA
Let’s conclude our list with a town that holds the title for one of the most humorously controversial names in the United States: Cumming, Georgia. It’s almost unbelievable that this small town’s name has yet to be altered! Nonetheless, here we are. Located in Forsyth County in the Peach State, Cumming was originally settled by American pioneers in 1834, after having been the home of the Cherokee tribe for generations.
There are two possible stories behind the town’s name: one being Colonel William Cumming, a well-known military figure from Augusta, or Sir Alexander Cumming, a baron’s son who emigrated to America in the early 18th century and chose to settle in the area. Regardless of the origin, a post office opened in Cumming in January 1834, and by the end of the year, the state legislature officially made it an incorporated town. Locals were optimistic for the town’s future, especially since it was also designated as the county seat of Forsyth County. But soon after, things began to go awry.
During the 1830s and 1840s, the expansion of railroads across Georgia bypassed Cumming entirely, depriving the town of vital business opportunities. The nation's westward expansion and the California Gold Rush in 1849 further pulled people away from Cumming. Even Union General William T. Sherman managed to avoid Cumming during his notorious Civil War march through Georgia. To this day, the town’s population has yet to reach 10,000 residents.
2. Rough and Ready, CA
Nestled in Nevada County, Northern California, right on the border of Nevada, is a quirky town named Rough and Ready. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it doesn’t stem from anything inappropriate. In fact, if you have a keen interest in U.S. presidential history, you may already recognize the source behind its unusual name. It honors the 12th President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, a military leader known as 'Old Rough and Ready.'
President Taylor earned the military nickname 'Old Rough and Ready,' a title that remained with him long after his service. He was one of the most formidable and tactical generals of his time. By the time he ascended to the presidency, his reputation as a military leader was well-established. So, it’s no surprise that admirers of Taylor, who valued his leadership, chose to honor him by naming things after him—such as this small town in California, which was given a name that’s both boldly suggestive and deeply patriotic.
As for why the town was named Rough and Ready instead of something more obvious like Taylorville, here’s how it came to be. In 1849, during the tumult of the California Gold Rush, a mining company from Wisconsin, known as the Rough and Ready Company, arrived to search for gold. The company was led by A.A. Townsend, a former Army captain who greatly admired Taylor’s leadership. As the company settled in the gold fields, their camp eventually turned into a town, which is now known as Rough and Ready.
1. Intercourse, PA
It’s hard to believe that a town in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country could have such a risqué name. After all, the Amish are known for their strict codes of chastity. However, the town of Intercourse, Pennsylvania, might suggest otherwise, that is, until you uncover the fascinating story behind the name. Originally founded in 1754 as Cross Keys after a local tavern, the town officially changed its name to Intercourse in 1814. There are several theories about the reason for this name change—and none of them involve the obvious implication of 'intercourse.'
One theory suggests that the town’s name was inspired by a nearby horse racing track, which was called Entercourse. Over time, this name could have evolved into 'Intercourse.' Another theory points to the town’s location at a major intersection of two key roads—the Old King’s Highway (now known as the Philadelphia Pike) and another road that runs from Erie to Wilmington, Delaware, which may have influenced the name change.
The third theory about the town's name change might just hit the mark. In this version, historians point out that the word 'intercourse' once had a very different meaning than what we understand today. Back in the day, 'intercourse' referred to fellowship and (non-sexual) social engagement among members of a community. So, it’s likely that the residents of Intercourse were simply emphasizing their sense of community when they decided to adopt the name. Of course, they had no way of predicting how the word would evolve in meaning by the 21st century!
