Weird Town Names in Arkansas That Will Make You Hungry
I've always been fascinated by town names, every state has them whether it be quirky names, weird names, or just names that make you hungry. For example, did you know 19 town names have a food in their name in Arkansas?
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This small town has nothing to do with weiners like you may think instead the town is located near Jonesboro and you can thank the St. Louis and Southwestern Railroad that was constructed and ran through here in 1881. The depot was named after a St. Louis railroad official whose last name was Weiner, the name caught on with the townfolks and people started calling the town Weiner.
Today Weiner is best known for duck hunting, and rice farming and is home to the Arkansas Rice Festival held every October. Can you imagine if someone asked where you are from and you said "Weiner," the look you would get?
Located just a few miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri State line in the Ozarks mountain region, Pea Ridge National Military Park, is where one of the largest Civil War battles in American history took place west of the Mississippi River.
There is a statewide system of historic trails in this area that helps promote the state's history including the Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Overland Trail.
Walnut Ridge was established in 1875 by the railroad that came through the area but perhaps one of the biggest historical moments was when The Beatles briefly stopped at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport in 1964 from a retreat in Missouri. The Fab 4 changed planes there because it was sort of off the grid and a little isolated from their adoring fans however three local teens noticed a plane circling to land and went to check it out when they saw The Beatles changing planes.
Word spread like wildfire in the small town and they arrived back from Missouri about 300 screaming fans were there to see them. Walnut Ridge embraced that piece of musical history and every year in September the town celebrates with Beatles at the Ridge festival. There are even some Beatles artwork and sculptures located around the city to honor the Liverpool Legends.
Peach Orchard is located just southwest of Corning, Arkansas. The tiny town got its name from an estate known as "Petit Baril," which belonged to Pierre Le Mieux in the 19th century.
The locals began calling it Peach Orchard and a trading post was established but was raided during the Civil War. The town became known as a railroad and timber industry and officially was incorporated in 1910.
Pickles Gap is located in the foothills of the Ozarks near the city of Conway, Arkansas in Central Arkansas. Supposedly the small community got its name because a German immigrant was crossing a creek with a load of pickles and the cart he was carrying them in overturned and the pickles spilled out everywhere.
That region today is home to Pickles Gap Village where visitors can not only shop for pickles but there is also a fudge shop, gift shop, knife shop, and flea market.
The Others in Arkansas
- Acorn
- Bass
- Big Fork
- Deer
- Main Course
- Maple
- Tomato
- Possum Grape
- Peanut
- Sweet Home
- Sugar Grove
- Strawberry
- Three Forks
- Wild Cherry
Are you hungry yet?
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Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver