Most People Don't Know The Meaning Behind These 15 Mississippi Towns
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Most of the communities and towns in Mississippi have names that would definitely be considered normal, but on the flip side, there are some really weird Mississippi town names. In fact, some towns boast such odd monikers they’ll make you do a double-take and, in some cases, leave you scratching your head. At first glance, these weird town names in Mississippi may seem totally out there and not make any sense at all; however, more often than not, there’s a valid reason behind them. After doing a bit of digging around, we came up with 15 of the strangest-named towns in Mississippi and the interesting stories behind them. Take a look:
Hot Coffee, MS 39428, USA
Often included on lists of places of with unusual names, Hot Coffee is located in Covington County. In 1870, not long after the community was established, a store was opened. The owner, L.J. Davis, hung a coffee pot over the door, advertising "the best hot coffee around." Before long, the popularity of the coffee led to the community’s fitting moniker.
Possumneck, MS 39090, USA
You’d probably assume this small community in Attala County got its name because it was home to an overwhelming amount of marsupials at one time, but that’s simply not the case. Possumneck actually received its name because of the shape of the area that it covered.
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Whynot, MS 39301, USA
Located in Lauderdale County, there are two theories as to how Whynot got its name. Some say it came about after a group of residents were having difficulty deciding on a name. They went back and forth with ideas, each chiming in "Why not name it this? Why not name it that?" Eventually, someone suggested simply using "Whynot," and the rest agreed. However, others believe it was named by migrants from the Carolinas who came from a town called Whynot.
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Sanatorium, MS 39114, USA
As you probably guessed from the name, this community, which lies just 30 miles southeast of Jackson, was once home to the state’s only sanatorium, the Mississippi Tuberculosis Sanatorium. The facility was founded in 1916 and was in operation until the 1970s. And while the facility has been closed for decades, the public can still learn all about it thanks to the Mississippi State Sanatorium Museum, one of the most unique museums in Mississippi.
Soso, MS, USA
Head to northwestern Jones County, and you’ll find this small town, which is home to just 408 people. The unusual name can be accredited to Jim Eaton, a traveling postmaster. According to records, Eaton would often make small talk with locals, responding to many questions with "It’s so so." Eventually, the post office was named after Eaton’s well-known expression, and soon, the town took the name as well.
Mhoon Landing, MS 38676, USA
This Delta community received its unique moniker in 1859 and is named after African-American settler Feyton Mhoon, who each night would place a lantern in a lighthouse, guiding ships navigating the Mississippi River.
D'Lo, MS, USA
Tucked away in Simpson County, this small town’s name can be accredited to its location on the Strong River. According to researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi, the name came from the French who referred to the area on a map as "de l'eau sans potable," which translates to "bad drinking water." Over time, it was shortened to the current version, D’Lo. And while the water might not be suitable for drinking, it's great for swimming. These days, D'Lo Water Park is home to one of the most popular swimming holes in Mississippi.
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Panther Burn, MS, USA
According to local folklore, this strange name came about after a group of residents trapped and burned a panther that was wreaking havoc on the community; however, this story has been proven to be false. Turns out, "burn," was once a common term for stream or brook, so the name most likely originated from a nearby water source.
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Pascagoula, MS, USA
Many of the weird town names in Mississippi have Native American origins, and Pascagoula is one of them. So just what does the name mean? It actually translates to "bread eater." The city's Native American history lives on in several ways, including the Pascagoula River. Those who visit the river claim it emits a "strange, yet remarkable" sound. Legend attributes the sound to the Pascagoula Tribe, who once inhabited the area. These days, the river, which is referred to as the Singing River, is a must-visit site in Pascagoula.
Itta Bena, MS 38941, USA
Another name with Native American roots, Itta Bena is Choctaw for "home in the woods." Long ago, there was a plantation in the area named Itta Bena, and eventually, the surrounding town took on the name as well.
Rolling Fork, MS 39159, USA
The name of this Sharkey County town may seem extremely strange at first, but once you hear the story behind it, it actually makes perfect sense. In 1828, Thomas Chaney became the area’s first resident, establishing a settlement on Deer Creek. Upon his arrival, he made note of how swiftly the water flowed at the creek’s fork and named the area Rolling Fork. The town has much more going for it than a unique name, though. A charming town with loads of history, it's a great destination for a Mississippi day trip.
Oxford, MS 38655, USA
While this town’s name isn’t strange, the story behind its origin is an interesting (and calculated) one. Named Oxford after England’s prestigious college town, the name was chosen in the hopes that it would increase the city’s chances of becoming the site for the state’s future university, and it worked. In 1848, the University of Mississippi was opened in Oxford. In addition to an expansive college campus, Oxford is brimming with great restaurants, historic sites, amazing shopping, and lots more, which explains why it's often revered as one of the best small towns in Mississippi.
Ebenezer, MS 39095, USA
No, this Holmes County community isn’t named after the well-known character in "A Christmas Carol." Instead, it was given its moniker by Jewish settlers who migrated from a town of the same name.
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Money, MS 38930, USA
Nearly deserted, Money is a small unincorporated community in the Mississippi Delta. Established in the early 1900s, it was named in honor of Hernando Money, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi.
Duck Hill, MS 38925, USA
Duck Hill is located in Montgomery County on U.S. Route 51, between Grenada and Winona. The town is named in honor of Duck, a Choctaw Chief and medicine man who once treated residents in the area. Chief Duck was known to hold meetings on a large hill, just northeast of the town. Eventually, his name and preferred meeting location were combined, resulting in the town’s present name. Today, Duck Hill is known less for its oddball name and more for being home to Bull Bottom Farms, one of the most charming farms in Mississippi.
So, did you know about these weird Mississippi town names? Are one of these oddly-named towns your hometown? Ever been to any of the towns mentioned above? Know of any other weird town names in Mississippi? What about a uniquely-named Mississippi town with an interesting past? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!
It’s not just Mississippi towns with oddball names. In the Magnolia State, you’ll find lots of streets with strange monikers, too. It’s true, and to prove it, here are some weird street names in Mississippi that are sure to leave you baffled.
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Weird Mississippi Town Names
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