How 15 Northern California Towns Were Given Their Quirky Names
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Kate Freeman
Author
In Northern California, there are many towns with names that evoke curiosity and whimsy. From Bummerville to Volcano, these peculiar town names have sparked intrigue and prompted questions about their origins. Each town name carries a tale of its own. Find out how these quirky Northern California town names came to be.
Located in Mono County, Dogtown is a gold rush-era ghost town. In 1857 the town was established as a mining camp. The town was the site of the first gold rush town in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Dogtown, CA 95220, USA
There are several other areas called “Dogtown” including an area in Mendocino National Forest. In fact, Dogtown has been used as a name for towns and areas that often experienced some type of struggle or harsh conditions.
Today, Dogtown is a ghost town not far from the famous Bodie Ghost Town. The site is a California Historical Landmark.
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Twain Harte, CA, USA
The town of Twain Harte got its name from the combination of two literary figures: Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, was a renowned American author known for his classic works like "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Bret Harte was an American author and poet known for his stories set in the California Gold Rush era.
The name "Twain Harte" was created when a local land developer, George W. Lumsden, decided to honor both authors by combining their names. The town was established in 1920, and the name Twain Harte was chosen to pay homage to the literary contributions of Mark Twain and Bret Harte.
Today, Twain Harte is a charming community located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County. It has become a popular destination for outdoor activities.
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Bummerville, CA 95255, USA
Bummerville, located in Calaveras County, California, is an intriguing place with an equally intriguing name. The origin of the name "Bummerville" can be traced back to the mid-1800s during the California Gold Rush era. Like many towns and settlements that emerged during this period, Bummerville's name is rooted in the history and character of the region.
Legend has it that Bummerville got its name due to the presence of a group of miners who were known for their relaxed and carefree lifestyle. These miners, colloquially referred to as "bums," were not necessarily destitute but characterized by their preference for leisurely activities over rigorous gold prospecting. Over time, as the community grew and developed, the name "Bummerville" stuck.
Today, Bummerville is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. While the gold rush may have faded into history, the charm and tranquility of Bummerville continue to attract visitors who are curious about its unique name.
Bumblebee, CA 95375, USA
Bumblebee, a former mining town located in Mariposa County, got its name during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century.
Legend has it that prospectors exploring the region stumbled upon a rich deposit of gold flakes shimmering in the sunlight. The sight of the glistening gold brought to mind the appearance of bumblebees, prompting them to name the area "Bumblebee."
The town of Volcano in Amador County earned its name when early miners, mistaking the bowl-shaped valley for a volcanic site, bestowed it with a misnomer that has endured over time. During the Gold Rush, Volcano flourished as a bustling community, attracting fortune-seekers in search of wealth.
Volcano, CA 95689, USA
The lively performances staged in the historic theater offer glimpses into the rich history that has shaped Volcano.
Mystic, CA 96111, USA
Mystic California is a small area near the Nevada border next to the Truckee River. Mystic is so small even many Truckee locals don’t know about it, or how it got its name. The name Mystic in this case likely captures the enchanting allure of the area, particularly during snowy winters, even if its exact origin remains a mystery to many.
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Weed, CA, USA
Despite what people might assume about this town in Northern California, it was named after the founder of the local lumber mill, Abner Weed. Weed has a small historic downtown and a population of just over 2,800.
Happy Camp, CA 96039, USA
The origin of Happy Camp’s name can be traced to a Gold Rush-era prospector who was excited to arrive in the gold-rich area. Legend has it that miner James Camp was so excited to arrive in the area he said, “This is the happiest day of my life”, and a fellow miner dubbed the place “Happy Camp.”
Today, Happy Camp is a tranquil little town along the Klamath River. The town offers outdoor recreational opportunities, such as fishing, hiking, and camping.
Honeydew, CA, USA
There is no story behind how this unincorporated community in Humboldt County got this oh-so-cute name. But we’d guess it probably has to do with early settlers growing the green melons in this fertile area. Since the town name used to be two words (Honey Dew), perhaps it could also have something to do with the beautiful sunrises here, located along the foggy and often dewy coastline.
Spyrock, CA 95454, USA
Spyrock is believed to have gotten its name from a distinctive rock formation in the area that resembled a spyglass or telescope. The origin of the name can be attributed to early settlers or explorers who noticed this peculiar rock formation and associated it with the tools used for spying or observing from a distance.
The rugged and remote nature of the Spyrock region, located in Mendocino County, likely contributed to the choice of this descriptive and evocative name. The prominent rock formation, resembling a spyglass, might have stood out amidst the surrounding landscape, catching the attention of those who passed through or settled in the area.
Today, Spyrock is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its unique name, which carries with it the intriguing image of the rock formation that inspired it.
Devils Elbow, CA 95987, USA
The origins of Devils Elbow, a small area in Colusa County, California, are rooted in the distinctive geography of the region. Devils Elbow is named after a sharp and treacherous bend in a nearby creek that resembles the bend of an elbow. This rugged area is a beautiful and lesser-known place to explore in Northern California.
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Weaverville, CA, USA
Contrary to popular belief, Weaverville, California, was not named after local basketweavers who thrived in Gold Rush-era towns. Rather, the town owes its name to John Weaver, the pioneer and miner who first discovered gold in the area. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in Weaverville's captivating past by exploring the historic downtown area, where remarkably preserved buildings from the Gold Rush era offer a glimpse into the town's vibrant history.
Gazelle, CA, USA
Gazelle, a small community located in Northern California, got its name from the graceful and elusive animal by the same name. When early settlers arrived in the region, they encountered an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, antelope, and gazelle. The name Gazelle stands as a reminder of the area's abundant wildlife and untamed wilderness.
Rough and Ready, CA, USA
Rough and Ready earned its distinctive name from a group of miners who were dissatisfied with the governance of the United States and sought to establish an independent republic.
In 1849, a mining town was established in what is now Rough and Ready, with a population of mostly miners seeking their fortunes during the Gold Rush. Frustrated by what they perceived as excessive taxation and regulations imposed by the United States government, a group of residents led by Captain A.A. Townsend declared independence from the nation in 1850.
The rebellious spirit of these residents was reflected in the name they chose for their newfound republic. They named it "Rough and Ready" after the nickname of General Zachary Taylor, a popular military hero and future president. General Taylor earned the moniker during his military career for his no-nonsense leadership style and readiness for battle.
While the independent republic was short-lived, lasting only three months, the name "Rough and Ready" stuck, becoming the official designation for this census-designated area.
Cool, CA 95614, USA
Formerly known as “Cave Valley”, Cool is a beautiful area. There are several stories as to why it is named Cool. Some say Cool was named after a Beatnik who passed through the town and called it “Cool”, but that theory doesn’t hold water since the Cool Post Office was opened in 1885. Others say it was named after settler Aaron Cool, which sounds more plausible. No matter how the area got its name, Cool is definitely, well, a cool town to visit.
These quirky Northern California town names offer a glimpse into the region’s history and unique character. From the misnomers born out of mistaken geological assumptions to the playful monikers inspired by local legends, each town name tells a story that reflects the spirit of the community it represents. So, the next time you find yourself passing through towns like Bummerville, Volcano, or Rough and Ready, take a moment to appreciate the quirks and wonders that make Northern California truly one-of-a-kind. After all, behind every seemingly peculiar town name lies a tale that adds another layer of charm and fascination to this captivating corner of the world.
Have you been to any of the towns on this list? Which town name is your favorite?
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