When is the last time that you looked at a Texas map? While most of the cities and towns you come across Texas are more or less middle-of-the-road, there are a number of towns that might have you questioning the cartologist. From Latex to Bug Tussle, discover 10 of the strangest Texas town names and their origins.
1. Bigfoot
Originally settled in the 1860s, the Frio County-area, census-designated place of Bigfoot was known as “Connally’s Store” until 1883. Today, the town is called “Bigfoot,” named after former resident and Texas Ranger A. A. “Bigfoot” Wallace.
2. Bug Tussle
While most town names – weird though they may sound – originate from surnames of residents, the inception of Bug Tussle is more on the nose. The unincorporated community in Fannin County derives its name from an unfortunate incident when a swarm of bugs crashed an ice cream social back in the 1890s.
3. Dime Box
Dime Box is an unincorporated community in Lee County. Initially named “Brown’s Mill,” the town had to change its name at the request of the U.S. Post Office, which was concerned about potential confusion with Brownsville.
The name “Dime Box” originated from an early practice where settlers used a large wooden box to send and receive mail or order small items from a horseback carrier traveling to the nearby town of Giddings.
4. Ding Dong
Situated along the Lampasas River south of Killeen on Texas State Highway 195 is the unincorporated community of Ding Dong, Texas. The name “Ding Dong” originated from a country store opened by Zulis Bell and his nephew Bert Bell in the early 1930s.
5. Edcouch
Founded in 1927, Edcouch is a city in Hidalgo County in southern Texas. The town gets its name from its founder, Edward Couch.
6. Falfurrias
Located in southern Texas, Falfurrias is a city in Brooks County founded in 1895. One of the city’s leading founders was Edward Cunninham Lasater. The pioneer, rancher, and developer owned La Mota de Falfurrias – at the time of the state’s largest ranches – the town’s namesake.
7. Flatonia
Flatonia, located in Fayette County, derives its name from local merchant F.W. Flato, one of the area’s first settlers.
8. Happy
While “The Town Without a Frown” isn’t necessarily named after its residents’ cheerful demeanor, its name does have a connection to elation. Happy comes the Happy Draw stream, named such for the joy cowboys felt when they came across the stream in the 19th century.
9. Jot ‘Em Down
Located in northeastern Texas in Delta County, Jot ‘Em Down takes its name from the popular Lum and Abner radio show. In the show, Jot ‘Em Down was the fictional setting for its comedic tales.
10. Latex
Latex is a rural community in Harrison County. Located 18 miles northeast of Marshall on Farm Road 1999, the town’s position on the Louisiana and Texas border is the source of its name. LA (Louisiana) + TEX (Texas) = LATEX.