7 Bizarrely Named Towns In Alabama

Alabama has many unique places; some have odd names, each with an interesting story about how the name came about. Towns like Tuscumbia, for instance, are named after a person or a historical event, while others, like Eufaula, take their names from a unique trait of the area. Despite their quirky names, these communities—from Tuscumbia to Eufaula—are places where you can embark on a new adventure and explore the best of Alabama's distinctive character and culture.

Tuscumbia

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, close to a large spring, is Tuscumbia, a town with a fascinating past, particularly regarding its name. In 1820, the region was first incorporated as Ococoposa, a Chickasaw term for "cold water." A year later, it was renamed Big Spring. In 1822, it was changed again to Tuscumbia in honor of a local Chickasaw leader, and the name has remained ever since.

Tuscumbia offers fantastic outdoor experiences in Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and Spring Park. Visitors can also enjoy Spring Creek Golf Course, which features multiple ponds and well-manicured fairways. The Belle Mont Mansion, a historic treasure that provides a glimpse into the past, and Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, offer insights into the region’s rich heritage. Another noteworthy destination is the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which honors the musical achievements of Alabamians.

Muscle Shoals

The name Muscle Shoals, a town in northwest Alabama, comes from a shallow section of the Tennessee River where mussels were once abundant. Some believe the name also references the river's shape or the difficulty of its navigation. The town's musical history is another intriguing aspect beyond its name. The renowned FAME Recording Studios, founded in 1959, produced numerous successful records by musicians including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Etta James, Gregg Allman, and the Osmonds.

Additionally, Muscle Shoals hosts several events that draw large crowds of tourists each year. The Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride, held on the third Saturday in September, commemorates the Cherokee people's forced removal. Another major event is the North Alabama State Fair, which features concerts, livestock shows, and carnival rides. With Pickwick Lake, Wilson Lake and Wheeler Lake—all in the Tennessee River Valley—Muscle Shoals also provides a wealth of recreational activities.

Brilliant

In the southeastern part of Marion County, Brilliant has a unique history that sets it apart. Initially known as Boston, after one of its first settlers, Jimmy L. Bostick, the town’s identity shifted in the late 1800s and early 1900s with the rise of the coal mining industry. In 1957, it was renamed Brilliant, a name inspired by the Brilliant Coal Co.

Brilliant, a town that cherishes its rich history, fosters a strong sense of community with Coal Fest, an annual event held during Memorial Day weekend. The festival celebrates the town's coal mining heritage with exhibits, a car show, arts and crafts, games, rides, food, and live entertainment. Many historically significant buildings remain in downtown Brilliant on Main Street, including a train depot, a general store, and a church.

Locust Fork

Locust Fork is a town with a rich history and natural beauty. It was named by General Andrew Jackson, who carved his name into a locust tree in 1813 while camping near the fork of the Black Warrior River. With its numerous whitewater sections, the river is a paradise for swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing. The region continued to develop but was not officially incorporated as a town until 1977.

Despite its modest size, the community has much to offer. Lulu’s BBQ is a popular eatery that serves barbecue plates, burgers, and sandwiches. Daisy’s Cafe & Bake Shop, another local favorite, offers cakes for special occasions and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with home-cooked dishes. For outdoor activities, Locust Fork Park features a playground, walking track, baseball field, and picnic spots. The town is also home to several churches, schools, and a community center that hosts athletic activities and social gatherings.

Shorter

Shorter was first known as Cross Keys, after the early settler J.H. Howard’s birthplace in South Carolina. It was later renamed Shorter in honor of John Gill Shorter, a former Alabama governor. The town reflects the history of the Creek Indian Nation, the Old South, and the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to one of the most extended stretches of the Old Federal Road—an essential route for the area's early development—Shorter is home to several state historical monuments.

Local mainstays include Shorter Mercantile, a store selling vintage goods with a modern twist, and Shana’s Place, which offers everything from gourmet meats to handcrafted jams and jellies. To explore more of its small-town charm, visitors can observe animals at Bella Luna Farm, gamble at VictoryLand Casino, or head to Wiswall Water Ski Training Center for a water-skiing adventure.

Eufaula

Along the Chattahoochee River in southeast Alabama, Eufaula has a fascinating past. When settlers first arrived in 1823, they found the area inhabited by the Eufaula tribe of the Creek Nation, after whom the town was named. The town was briefly renamed Irwinton in honor of War of 1812 hero General William Irwin, but to prevent postal confusion with Irwinton, Georgia, it was changed back to Eufaula in 1843. In 1857, it was formally incorporated as a town.

Eufaula offers plenty to see and do. Historic sites like Fendall Hall and Shorter Mansion showcase the town’s past. A day at Lakepoint State Park, on the shores of the 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, offers boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities. The park also features a lodge, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a full-service restaurant and lounge.

Wetumpka

Wetumpka, derived from the Native American words “we-wau” (water) and “tum-cau” (rumbling), is tucked away on the Coosa River. The two terms, anglicized to Wetumpka, describe the rushing rapids over river rocks. Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, which features two restored forts from Alabama’s frontier era, is a famous landmark with a visitor center, a nature trail, and events related to living history, including Alabama Frontier Days. Additional historical insights can be found at the Elmore County Museum and the Elmore County Black History Museum.

Wetumpka’s vibrant arts scene can be explored at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, the Big Fish House Gallery, and the Rumbling Water Studios and Gallery. Art festivals like the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival and the Downtown Artists Wetumpka Art Show are also popular. The town is home to Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka, while Lake Jordan and Coosa River Adventures offer outdoor recreation.

Discover These Bizarrely Named Towns in Alabama

Alabama’s towns, particularly these seven with unique names, are full of personality and character. The state offers much to explore, from its rich musical heritage and civil rights history to literary legends and Southern charm. Visit Tuscumbia, the hometown of Helen Keller; step into a recording studio in Muscle Shoals, where Aretha Franklin created hit music; or travel back in time to Alabama’s frontier era in Wetumpka.