When
settlers from the U.S. poured into Texas following
its independence and later statehood, they started slapping names on the places
where they put down roots. Most of the names are still around and just as colorful
as they were decades ago. Bloody
Hollow in Delta County was named for a disagreement at a brush arbor revival.
Buggy Whip Creek in Hopkins County was named for local switch cane often used
as buggy whips.
Looneyville
in Nacogdoches County is near Loco and Crazy creeks, but the name comes from the
Looneys, a stable local family. Buck Naked lies in Parker County and, contrary
to rumor, is not a nudist colony.
Crush in McLennan County, west of East
Texas, is famous for the Crash
at Crush, where two locomotives were pointed at Crush on the same track, and
their throttles tied open. The result was perhaps the only deliberate train crash
in Texas.
In Lipscomb County, the folks who
named five local creeks apparently couldn’t find any colorful names, so they named
them First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth creeks.
Cut
‘n Shoot in Montgomery was apparently named for the disposition of the local
menfolk. There are a few other supposed reasons.
There’s a Deadwood
in Panola County, a Dime
Box in Lee County, a Dollarhide in Angelina County and a Day Duck Creek in
Kent County.
Four Notch can be found in Walker County and Five Notch lies
in Harrison County.
Byspot
in San Jacinto County got its name when O.H. Bennett of Conroe spelled his wife’s
name Topsy backward and added a B from his own last name.
Can’t ‘Cha Get Over That Creek is in Kaufman County. The creek flooded after the
smallest rain, blocking the way of travelers.
Chicken Creek lies in Walker County was named for wild chickens who lived in the
area.
Fair Play in
Panola County was named for the community’s concern for a child from a wagon train
who died in the community. ©
Bob Bowman
October 2, 2011 Column
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