Weird Names of Places in the U.S. Quiz

Answer: Texas

China is on U.S. Highway 90 ten miles west of Beaumont in northwestern Jefferson County. It is considered part of the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It used to be a water stop for the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, known as "China Grove" for the chinaberry trees in the area.

In 1906, a fire destroyed the original depot; the railroad was rebuilt in the nearby community, but still retained the name China. In 1971, it was incorporated as the city of China.

The local economy is mainly agriculture, in particular rice farming. There are also oil and gas fields nearby.

Answer: Michigan

In 1826, Singapore was developed as a port by New York land speculator Oshea Wilder to compete with Chicago and Milwaukee.

In the 1870s, lumbering became the major economy in the town and it even had a renowned "Wild-cat" bank and the first schoolhouse in Michigan. However, the town deteriorated after the lumbering activities were over and people left to settle in a nearby town at Saugatuck in Allegan County.

By 1875, the town was evacuated and got buried under the sands from Lake Michigan. The only name that exists today is Singapore Yacht Club located at the end of the town.

Answer: South Carolina

The town of Coward was incorporated in 1963. It is a small, rural town in Florence County, South Carolina. The town's economy was historically mainly agriculture, including cash crops like tobacco and cotton, as well as a local sawmill.

The name "Coward" was adopted in the early 20th century, likely named after the local Coward family. They were early settlers and major landowners in the area.

Answer: California

Founded in 1849, it is a historic census-designated place established during the Gold Rush era, named in honor of General Zachary Taylor who was nicknamed "Rough and Ready".

It is located in Nevada County, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills, west of Grass Valley and approximately 62 miles from Sacramento.

In 1849, a group of prospectors from Wisconsin, led by Captain A.A. Townsend, formed a mining company. Townsend, who served with Taylor during the Mexican-American War, used the nickname of his former commander to name the town, in order to honor him.

Answer: Colorado

Originally called Artesia in 1947, the town changed its name in 1966 to associate its proximity to the popular Dinosaur National Monument.

It is located in Moffat County, in the northwestern corner of Colorado, on U.S. Highway 40, about two miles east of the Colorado entrance to the Dinosaur National Monument.

The economy has traditionally been ranching and the booms and busts of the oil industry. The streets in the town are named after dinosaurs, namely Cletisaurus Circle and Tyrannosaurus Trail.

Answer: Washington

Concrete was founded from the 1909 merger of two towns, Baker and Cement City, both located near the Washington Portland Cement Company. It is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

The cement produced in Concrete was used in major construction projects, including Pearl Harbor and the Grand Coulee Dam.

Answer: North Carolina

Whynot is an unincorporated community in Randolph County. The community was first settled in the 18th century by German and English people. It is known for its connection to the state's renowned pottery tradition, including its two neighbors with unusual names, Erect and Jugtown.

According to the popular origin story, the name "Why not...?" was exclaimed by a frustrated farmer after many hours of discussion. He said, "Why not name the town 'Why Not' and let's go home?". The space was later dropped, creating the one-word name.

Answer: Virginia

Hurt is a small town incorporated in 1967. It is located in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, located in the south-central part of the state. The town was named after John L. Hurt, Jr., a local attorney and landowner who developed the area in the 20th century. He bequeathed the land on which the town stands, when he died in 1964.

The area was a small community near the Staunton River and the Southern Railway stop for many decades prior to its incorporation.

The town's local economy includes manufacturing, health care, and retail trade.

Answer: Illinois

Oblong is a small town in Crawford County, Illinois. It was founded in 1883 on a naturally oblong-shaped prairie from which the name is derived. In the early days, it was originally nicknamed "Henpeck", after a general store run by Henry Peck at the town's central crossroads.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the area led to a temporary boom, though the town eventually returned to its agricultural roots.

It is known for its annual Fall Follies festival, which features a parade, vendors, and other celebrations

Answer: Tennessee

Three Way was incorporated as a city in 1998. It is a small city in Madison County, Tennessee, known for its strategic location and community-oriented atmosphere. Located at the division of U.S. 45, it offers residents a small-town feel while still being close to the larger cities of Jackson and Humboldt.

The city is a growing community with a business-friendly environment that benefits from its location. Recent flood mitigation projects have also attracted new businesses.