Most of us in New Jersey live in a small bubble. The state is so densely populated that everything we need is usually within a short drive. Some of us might have longer commutes for work, but for the most part, we just travel between home and work, not really exploring the state beyond our routine.
Every now and then, we hear about a town in New Jersey that we’ve never heard of before. It’s rare, but with so many towns and communities packed into the state, it’s impossible to know them all. Some of these places have names that sound so unusual that they make you do a double-take.
One such place I recently came across is Timbuctoo. It might sound like a made-up name, but it’s actually a real village in Westampton Township, Burlington County. The name alone makes it stand out, but it’s just one of many oddly named places in New Jersey.
Then there’s Ho-Ho-Kus, a borough in Bergen County. The name itself sounds fun, but its origins are a bit of a mystery. Some believe it comes from a Native American phrase, while others think it might have been a combination of old Dutch words. Either way, it’s one of the most unique town names in the state.
Another unusual name is Cheesequake. Yes, that’s a real place. It’s located in Middlesex County and is best known for Cheesequake State Park. The name likely comes from the Lenape word “Cheseh-oh-ke,” but to anyone unfamiliar with its history, it might just sound like a weird mix of cheese and earthquakes.
If you’ve ever driven through Upper and Lower Squankum, you’ve probably wondered where those names came from. The exact meaning is unclear, but these towns in Monmouth County have definitely caught the attention of anyone passing through.
Then there’s Loveladies, a small community on Long Beach Island. The name originally came from a local life-saving station named after a man called Thomas Lovelady. Over time, it became known as Loveladies, a name that certainly stands out among New Jersey’s many town names.
Monkeytown is another town that raises eyebrows. Located in Burlington County, the story behind its name isn’t widely known, but it’s definitely one of the strangest town names in the state.
Another interesting one is Foul Rift. This tiny area in Warren County is named after a dangerous section of the Delaware River known for its strong rapids. The name sounds ominous, but it’s a fascinating piece of New Jersey’s history.
In addition to these, we have places like Buttzville, a small unincorporated community in Warren County with a name that often gets a chuckle from passersby. The name actually comes from its founder, Michael Robert Buttz, but that doesn’t stop people from finding humour in it.
There’s also Ong’s Hat, a ghost town in Burlington County. This place has been the centre of strange folklore, including conspiracy theories about secret experiments and alternate dimensions. The name itself comes from an old tale about a man who supposedly threw his hat into the air, and it landed on a tree branch, marking the area as Ong’s Hat.
Ever heard of Double Trouble? This location in Ocean County is named after a historic cranberry farm and village. Some say the name originated from local fishermen who often faced twice the usual amount of trouble navigating the waters in that area.
Batsto, another unusual name, is a historic village in Wharton State Forest. The name comes from the Native American term “Bats-tuk,” meaning “swampy ground.” Despite its eerie sound, Batsto has a rich history tied to New Jersey’s iron industry.
New Jersey also has Mount Misery, which is not as terrifying as it sounds. Located in the Pine Barrens, the area was once home to a Methodist retreat and now serves as a camp and retreat centre. The name likely originated from the harsh living conditions early settlers faced in the area.
Another peculiar name is Ramtown, an area in Howell Township. While the origin isn’t entirely clear, it’s believed to be connected to early settlers or farmers who had a fondness for sheep.
Then there’s Navesink, a beautiful coastal area with a name derived from the Navesink Native American tribe. Though the name isn’t as strange as some of the others, its unique sound makes it stand out.
Finally, we have Hopatcong, a name many outside of New Jersey might find difficult to pronounce. This town, located near Lake Hopatcong, has a name that comes from the Lenape word meaning “stone water” or “stream where one stone is found.”
New Jersey is filled with unique and quirky town names, many of which have historical roots that go back centuries. While some names might make you laugh or scratch your head in confusion, they all add to the character and charm of the Garden State. Exploring these oddly named places can be a fun way to learn more about New Jersey’s rich history and diverse communities.
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