Alabama is home to numerous unusual locations, some of which have peculiar names and intriguing origin stories.
Some towns, like Eufaula, derive their names from a distinctive feature of the region, while others, like Tuscumbia, are named after a historical figure or event.
These towns—from Tuscumbia to Eufaula—are places where you can have a fresh adventure and discover the finest of Alabama’s unique culture and character, despite their odd names.
Brilliant
Brilliant stands out due to its distinct heritage in the southeast region of Marion County.
The town was first named Boston after one of its original residents, Jimmy L. Bostick, but as the coal mining industry grew in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town’s name changed.
Inspired by the Brilliant Coal Co., it was renamed Brilliant in 1957.
Coal Fest, an annual event held during Memorial Day weekend, helps Brilliant, a town that values its rich heritage, build a strong feeling of community.
With displays, a vehicle show, arts and crafts, games, rides, food, and live entertainment, the festival honors the town’s history of coal mining.
Tuscumbia
Located beside a sizable spring in the Appalachian foothills, Tuscumbia is a town with an interesting history, especially in relation to its name.
The area was initially established in 1820 under the Chickasaw name Ococoposa, which means “cold water.” It was renamed Big Spring a year later.
To honor a local Chickasaw leader, it was renamed Tuscumbia in 1822, and it has been that way ever since.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and Spring Park are two of Tuscumbia’s great recreational destinations.
The Spring Creek Golf Course, which has several ponds and well-kept fairways, is another attraction for tourists.
Ivy Green, where Helen Keller was born, and the Belle Mont Mansion, a historic treasure that offers a window into the past, both shed light on the area’s rich past.
Locust Fork
The town of Locust Fork boasts both natural beauty and a long history. General Andrew Jackson gave it its name in 1813 while camped close to the Black Warrior River’s fork, carving his name onto a locust tree.
The river is a swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing heaven with its many whitewater parts. Although the area kept growing, it wasn’t until 1977 that it was formally constituted as a town.
Although the neighborhood is small, it offers a lot. Sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue plates are all served at the well-known restaurant Lulu’s BBQ.
Another neighborhood favorite, Daisy’s Cafe & Bake Shop, serves home-cooked meals at its all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and sells cakes for special occasions.
Locust Fork Park offers picnic areas, a baseball field, a walking track, and a playground for outdoor recreation.
Shorter
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Shorter was originally called Cross Keys, after the South Carolina birthplace of early pioneer J.H. Howard. Later on, it was renamed Shorter in honor of former Alabama Governor John Gill Shorter.
The town is a reflection of the Civil Rights Movement, the Old South, and the Creek Indian Nation.
Shorter is home to a number of state historical landmarks as well as one of the longest sections of the Old Federal Road, which was crucial to the early development of the area.
Mainstays in the area include Shana’s Place, which sells anything from handcrafted jams and jellies to gourmet meats, and Shorter Mercantile, a boutique that sells vintage products with a contemporary touch.
Eufaula
Eufaula, located in southeast Alabama along the Chattahoochee River, has an interesting history.
The town was named for the Eufaula clan of the Creek Nation, who were in the area when immigrants first arrived in 1823.
In honor of General William Irwin, a hero of the War of 1812, the town was briefly dubbed Irwinton. However, in 1843, it was renamed Eufaula to avoid postal confusion with Irwinton, Georgia.
It was formally constituted as a town in 1857.
There is much to see and do in Eufaula. The town’s history is on display at historic locations like Shorter Mansion and Fendall Hall.
On the banks of the 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, Lakepoint State Park provides hiking, swimming, and boating for a day. In addition, there are playgrounds, tennis courts, a lodge, a full-service restaurant, and a lounge at the park.
