6 Bizarrely Named Towns In Oklahoma
Oklahoma is known for its unique, complex history and its expansive natural beauty. However, some of the state鈥檚 towns, despite their scenic vistas and historical landmarks, are often best known for their odd or even downright bizarre names. Whether due to local history, hazy folklore, or the whims of early pioneers, these towns stand out with monikers that often leave visitors puzzled. Read on to learn more about six of Oklahoma鈥檚 most bizarrely named towns; in no particular order, they are Frogville, IXL, Slapout, Non, Cookietown, and Slaughterville.
Frogville
Frogville, nestled in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, may be small, but it is big on quirky charm. The name reportedly originated when settlers noticed an unusually large number of unusually large frogs in the area. These abundant amphibians became a defining feature of the settlement, and thus the town鈥檚 name was born. For history buffs, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is just a two-hour drive away and offers a beautiful natural setting and opportunities to explore the cultural heritage of the Chickasaw Nation. The Arbuckle Mountains, with their stunning landscapes and hiking trails, also provide outdoor enthusiasts with scenic views and a taste of Oklahoma鈥檚 natural beauty.
IXL
The name of the town called IXL in central Oklahoma has several potential origin stories, including a combination of early settlers鈥� initials and the branding used by a local rancher. Regardless, IXL long existed as one of Oklahoma鈥檚 so-called 鈥淎ll-Black Towns,鈥� settled almost exclusively by African Americans. Touring this tiny town gives insights into this unique aspect of IXL鈥檚 history, but visitors will get a fuller picture of the area鈥檚 past at the Okfuskee County Historical Museum, located only 10 miles away in Okemah. You can also explore the North Canadian River, which flows nearby, and Lake Eufaula, which provides opportunities for fishing and picnicking.
Slapout
This Beaver County town鈥檚 colorful name apparently comes from the slang used by early settlers and ranchers, where 鈥渟lap out鈥� referred to a situation where there was nothing left to sell or offer 鈥� often in relation to goods at a trading post or a country store. Today鈥檚 Slapout is a quiet, tiny town with fewer than 10 residents, but its location along U.S. Route 412 makes it a bit of a gateway into Oklahoma鈥檚 Panhandle Region. This distinctive part of the state includes attractions such as Black Mesa State Park, home to Oklahoma鈥檚 highest point; the green oasis of Boiling Springs State Park; Leonardo鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Museum in Enid; and the quaint Main Street shopping district in Woodward.
Non
According to local legend, the name of this Hughes County hamlet is derived from the French word 鈥渘on,鈥� meaning 鈥渘o.鈥� This name allegedly came from the time when a group of settlers, in their travels, arrived at the site but ultimately decided not to stay, thus naming the place 鈥淣on.鈥� Truth be told, there is not much to see or do in Non, but the surrounding area includes attractions, such as the Seminole Nation Museum, which documents the triumphs and tragedies of one of Oklahoma鈥檚 American Indian nations; Robbers Cave State Park, where Wild West fugitives, such as Jesse James and the Dalton Gang, hid from the law; and Wetumka Lake and Park, which offers excellent boating, fishing, and camping.
Cookietown
This miniscule town, located in the southern part of Oklahoma, is said to have been named after an early settler鈥檚 general store that became famous for its fresh-baked cookies. These sweet treats were so beloved that the shop became a local landmark, and the village eventually took the name Cookietown. Visitors looking for this cookie shop 鈥� or much of anything else in this hamlet of under 10 residents 鈥� will come up empty. However, some great attractions are within convenient driving range of Cookietown, including the roaming bison herds at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton.
Slaughterville
Slaughterville's name evokes a violent past, but it is tied to a much less sinister history. The town is believed to have been named after an early settler with the last name Slaughter, who was instrumental in the area鈥檚 development. Slaughterville is near Lake Thunderbird State Park, where visitors can explore the picturesque lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating. For those interested in local history, the museum at the Cleveland County Historical Society in nearby Norman provides exhibits on the history of the region, including its early settlements and significant events.
These towns are like windows into the state鈥檚 history, culture, and traditions. These communities started with Native American tribes, pioneers, and the oil boom, and they still hold pieces of that past. Places like Cookietown with its sweet backstory tell important tales about where Oklahoma came from. Small towns are also full of heart. Whether it鈥檚 a festival celebrating something unique or a Friday night football game where the whole town shows up to cheer, these places are all about community and pride. Every town has its own piece of Oklahoma鈥檚 story, from Route 66 landmarks to farming traditions that have lasted for generations. Together, these small towns show how much history and culture shape the state, while celebrating the strong and proud people who call it home.
In conclusion, these six bizarrely named towns in Oklahoma are a reflection of the state's colorful history and the unique stories that have shaped the region over the centuries. From the amphibian-filled wetlands of Frogville to the eerie-sounding Slaughterville, each of these towns offers a glimpse into the stranger side of Oklahoma鈥檚 past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of quirky names, or an adventurer seeking new landscapes to explore, these towns offer more than just their unusual names; they provide a chance to discover the beating heart of the Sooner State.
