Texas, known for its big skies and bigger personality, is also home to some of the quirkiest town names that can make even the most sophisticated GPS hesitate. These names range from downright funny to oddly confusing, reflecting colorful histories and local legends. If you ever find yourself navigating the Lone Star State, prepare for some existential questions from your GPS.
Bigfoot
Located in Frio County, this little town was originally called Connally’s Store but was renamed Bigfoot in 1883. The name honors Texas Ranger A. A. “Bigfoot” Wallace. If you ask your GPS for directions to Bigfoot, don’t be surprised if it pauses for a second. It’s a name that sounds more like a tall tale than a town!
Bug Tussle
In Fannin County, Bug Tussle is famous for its funny name, which dates back to a buggy disaster during an ice cream social in the 1890s. A swarm of insects interrupted the party, and the name stuck. Trying to get directions here might lead to some confusion—both for your GPS and anyone trying to find it.
Dime Box
This unincorporated community in Lee County was originally known as Brown’s Mill. To avoid confusion with Brownsville, the U.S. Post Office suggested a name change. The result? Dime Box, which came from early settlers who used a large wooden box to send and receive mail. Sometimes it only had a dime in it, which is how the town got its odd name.
Ding Dong
Ding Dong, located in Bell County, has one of the funniest names in Texas. It was named after a store owned by the Bells. While the name might sound like a joke, it’s actually rooted in the area’s history, making it unforgettable. GPS systems might even giggle when trying to pronounce it!
Edcouch
In Hidalgo County, Edcouch is a town that sounds like a typo but is actually named after its founder, Edward Couch. The name may confuse spellcheck or even some map readers, but it carries significant historical weight for the area.
Falfurrias
Named after the massive La Mota de Falfurrias ranch, this town in Brooks County is often a challenge for outsiders. Its unique name is a tongue-twister and will likely make your GPS pause as it tries to pronounce it. The name is a nod to the ranch’s founder, Edward Cunningham Lasater.
Flatonia
Flatonia, located in Fayette County, was named after F.W. Flato, a local merchant. The name might sound like a playful mix of “flat” and “onia,” and it’s likely to throw off non-locals (and perhaps a GPS voice assistant too). But for the people of Flatonia, it’s a cherished part of their heritage.
Happy
Happy is the town that lives up to its name, known as “The Town Without a Frown.” Located in the Texas Panhandle, Happy got its name from the cheerful area around Happy Draw Creek, where 19th-century cowboys found joy. A name this optimistic might still give your GPS a pause, especially when trying to figure out its meaning.
Jot ‘Em Down
Jot ‘Em Down is a town in Delta County named after a fictional store from the Lum and Abner radio show. The name is playful and unique, but don’t be surprised if your GPS gets confused by its unusual, conversational tone.
Latex
Latex, located on the Texas-Louisiana border, is a clever blend of the state abbreviations for Louisiana (LA) and Texas (TEX). While it’s a fun name, your GPS may get a little confused or even pronounce it in unexpected ways!
These Texas towns showcase how humor, local stories, and history can influence place names, leaving modern technology scratching its head. Next time your GPS stutters or your map app trips while showing directions in Texas, it might just be a reaction to these wonderfully weird names that define the character of the Lone Star State.
Sources
[1] https://kkyr.com/top-10-naughty-town-names-texas/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duv375hjSgc
[3] https://secretdallas.com/quirky-texas-town-names/
[4] https://secrethouston.com/weird-texas-town-names/
[5] https://www.ksat.com/news/2019/09/20/unique-texas-town-names-jourdanton-gruene/
