Tomorrow, June 20, marks the anniversary date for when the newly formed state of West Virginia was officially admitted to the Union. The year was 1863. Before West Virginia developed a new, independent identity all its own, it was once part of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Today, we recognize West Virginia for its unique identity, marked by one-of-a-kind attractions and breathtaking callouts to explore. And if you’ve ever happened to travel through the small towns or are a resident yourself, you’ve undoubtedly come across some pretty perplexing names. Most have a traceable backstory, while others still leave pondering thinkers wondering the origins behind such. In honor of West Virginia state history, this Flashback Friday Feature looks back at the history behind some of its wackiest town names.
Big Ugly, West Virginia
While not exactly a town, per se, the gruesomely named wildlife management area known as “Big Ugly” is definitely worth mentioning. You’ll find it situated in Lincoln County. And while nobody knows for certain just how the unusual moniker came about, the common belief is that it was dubbed “Big Ugly” after a particularly “ugly” settler who once lived here. Another theory suggests the description befits the community’s crooked shape. Big Ugly Creek is not to be confused with Big Creek, which can also be found in Lincoln County.
Booger Hole, West Virginia
This legendary locale of Clay County is infamous for being the site of around a dozen mysterious deaths and disappearances between 1897 and 1917. As the story goes, residents in the area eventually formed the Clay County Mob to find justice for those who were murdered. Per the wording of one newspaper clipping, the “Clay County Citizens Formed ‘Mob’ To Clean Out Lawless ‘Booger Hole’.” From there, the name “Booger Hole” stuck.
Bozoo, West Virginia
Before images of clowns begin to stir your fancy, you should know that the origin story behind Bozoo is rather lackluster at best. More or less, it is an unincorporated community in Monroe County. The name is derived from a French settler with the surname “Boisseau.”
Bud, West Virginia
Again, this Wyoming County-based site was named after a settler. It was Bud Adams, who was part of the lucrative logging industry that existed in the area.
Cucumber, West Virginia
If you were wondering, yes, Cucumber, West Virginia, was named after that crisp, familiar piece of produce loved by so many. More specifically, it was named for the existing Cucumber Creek, known for its vast growth of cucumber plants in the immediate area.
Droop, West Virginia
Here is an example of a town that was named for a battle. In this case, it was the Battle of Droop Mountain, which was one of the last battles of the American Civil War and counted among the most significant ones. It was fought just three miles away in what is now Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park on Nov. 6, 1863. It was a Union victory.
HooHoo, West Virginia
This unincorporated community in Raleigh County boasts an amusing name, not to be overlooked on the list. Yet its origins are admittedly obscure at best, with no verifiable explanation behind it.
Jumbo, West Virginia
Again, we have an example of a name with unknown origins. Based in Webster County, the only sure thing we can confirm is that the location and size of the town do not ring true to “Jumbo” being used in an adjective format.
Left Hand, West Virginia
No, you don’t have to be a lefty to live in this small town in Roane County. Located along Route 36, Left Hand gets its name from a nearby creek.
Mountain, West Virginia
Here you have a representation of turning a molehill into a mountain, quite literally. Before the 1950s, this small town of Ritchie County was known as Mole Hill. By local accounts dating back to 1949, the town decided a “grand” renaming would attract more residents to the scene. Therefore, they settled on the name “Mountain.” The tactic to draw in more people didn’t succeed. But the town kept its name just the same.
Odd, West Virginia
Odd is an odd name for a town, to say the least. Oddly enough, we can’t discern for certain the backstory. It may have been a surname. Incidentally, Odd has no major landmarks aside from the Odd Post Office sign. Odd Road passes underneath Interstate 77 and runs 17 miles.
Paw Paw, West Virginia
If you are a fan of the elusive (albeit abundant) pawpaw fruit, then take note. Yes, the town was named in reference to the numerous pawpaw trees you can find throughout the locale. There’s even the famed Paw Paw Tunnel, which spans six miles underground. It is counted as an engineering marvel and a major attraction.
Pickle Street, West Virginia
There are actually two Pickle Streets in the state. One, appropriately enough, can be found in the aforementioned Cucumber of Monroe County. But the larger community/hamlet of Pickle Street resides in Lewis County. The name and how it came to be support several theories, none of which are conclusive.
Pie, West Virginia
Again, here is a yummy, confusing name with no factual basis on how it came about. It is located in Mingo County on U.S. Route 52 along Pigeon Creek.
Poca, West Virginia
Poca, based in Putman County, was named after the preexisting Pocatalico River, which flows into the Kanawha River in Poca.
Scary, West Virginia
Scary didn’t get its name because it is a scary destination. But it is home to Scary Creek, which served as the site of one of the earliest battles of the American Civil War. I am, of course, referring to the Battle of Scary Creek, which was fought on July 17, 1861, and only lasted five hours.
Shock, West Virginia
Located in Gilmer County, you will come across the community of Shock. Don’t fear getting electrocuted or anything like that. The name is derived from the Shock Family, who settled here long ago. Between 1890 and 1915, the community was largely laden with German-speaking Swiss immigrants.
War, West Virginia
While two of the listed towns were named for a Civil War battle, the way War got its name is a little different. Incorporated back in 1920 by the Circuit Court of McDowell County, the name actually comes from its resident War Creek, named so for many Native American battles that were fought way back when. Its confluence with Dry Fork is located within the city. Before it was named “War,” the community was known as Miner’s City.
These are just some of the strange names of various West Virginia communities. There are, in addition to these, many others, including unique landmarks and other community callouts.