Pennsylvania is home to several towns with genuinely playful or peculiar names, including Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, Blue Ball, and Virginville. These names are not modern marketing stunts but rather historical artifacts, often rooted in colonial-era English, Lenape language, or quirky local legends. This article explores the origins, cultural context, and practical travel information for these uniquely named places.
What Makes a Town Name “Peculiar”?
Peculiar town names in Pennsylvania typically fall into one of three categories: literal descriptions of local geography or wildlife (e.g., Bird-in-Hand), humorous or suggestive phrases from early settlers (e.g., Intercourse, Blue Ball), or anglicized versions of Native American words that sound odd to modern ears (e.g., Punxsutawney, which is actually a Lenape word). Many of these names date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when communities were often named by the first postmaster or a local landowner. There was no central naming authority, so names often reflected inside jokes, biblical references, or simple observations.
The Famous “Naughty” Names: Intercourse, Blue Ball, and Paradise
Perhaps the most famous is Intercourse, located in Lancaster County. The name likely derives from the English word “intercourse” meaning “connection” or “fellowship,” not the modern sexual connotation. The town was a crossroads on the Old Philadelphia Highway, and the name may have referred to the intersection of two roads or the friendly social interactions at the local tavern. Similarly, Blue Ball (also in Lancaster County) is named after a blue ball that hung outside a local inn in the 1800s—a common colonial-era sign for a tavern. Paradise, nearby, is simply a biblical reference, reflecting the strong religious heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers.
Bird-in-Hand and Other Literal Names
Bird-in-Hand (Lancaster County) is often said to come from a local inn sign depicting a bird in a hand, with the motto “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The inn was a stagecoach stop, and the name stuck. Other literal names include Virginville (Berks County), which is actually a corruption of “Firgen” or “Fergen,” a local family name, not a reference to purity. Kinzers (Lancaster County) is named after a family, but its name sounds like a playful word. Breezewood (Bedford County) is a modern name, but it describes the windy gap in the mountains where the town sits.
Native American-Derived Peculiarities
Many Pennsylvania towns have names that sound odd to English speakers but are perfectly logical in the Lenape or Iroquois languages. Punxsutawney (Jefferson County) comes from a Lenape word meaning “town of the sandflies” or “place of the mosquitoes.” Kittanning (Armstrong County) means “at the great stream” in Lenape. Shickshinny (Luzerne County) is a Lenape word meaning “place of the fine stream.” These names often baffle visitors but are deeply rooted in the region’s pre-colonial history.
How to Visit These Towns
Most of these towns are in Lancaster County, which is about 1.5 hours west of Philadelphia. The best way to visit is by car, as public transit is limited. A typical day trip could include:
- Start in Intercourse to see the town sign and visit the local shops.
- Drive 5 minutes to Bird-in-Hand for a meal at a family-style restaurant.
- Head to Blue Ball (10 minutes) to take a photo with the town sign.
- Stop at Paradise (5 minutes) to see the railroad station.
- If you have time, drive 20 minutes to Strasburg for the railroad museum.
Many visitors also combine these stops with a tour of Amish country, as the area is known for its farmland and craft markets.
Common Misconceptions and Fun Facts
A common misconception is that these names are modern pranks or internet jokes. In reality, they are all official, incorporated places with USPS-recognized zip codes. Another misconception is that Intercourse is named after a Native American word—it is not; it is purely English. A fun fact: Blue Ball was almost renamed in the 1950s when the post office received complaints, but locals voted to keep the name. Similarly, Intercourse has never been officially renamed, despite periodic petitions. These towns often sell postcards and novelty merchandise, but they are also working communities with schools, churches, and farms.
Comparisons with Other States
Pennsylvania is not alone in having peculiar town names. Ohio has Knockemstiff, Texas has Cut and Shoot, and Arizona has Nothing. However, Pennsylvania’s concentration of such names in a small geographic area (Lancaster County) is unique. The reason is the region’s early settlement pattern: many small towns were founded within a few miles of each other, and the names were often chosen by the first storekeeper or postmaster. In contrast, western states often have names that are more practical (e.g., Deadwood, South Dakota) or descriptive (e.g., Two Harbors, Minnesota).
Costs and Practicalities
Visiting these towns is inexpensive. There is no admission fee to see the town signs or drive through. Parking is generally free and easy to find. If you want to buy souvenirs, expect to pay $5–$15 for a t-shirt or postcard. A meal at a local restaurant will cost about $15–$25 per person. There are no hotels in Intercourse or Bird-in-Hand, but nearby Lancaster city has many chain hotels starting at $80 per night. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the farmland is scenic. Note that many Amish-owned businesses are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intercourse, PA, really named after sex?
No. The word “intercourse” in the 1700s meant “connection” or “social interaction,” and the town was a meeting point on a major road. The modern sexual meaning did not become dominant until the 20th century.
Can I get a passport stamped in Blue Ball?
No. These towns are not border crossings, and there is no passport office. However, you can often get a novelty “passport” stamp at local gift shops that sell souvenirs.
Are these towns safe to visit?
Yes. They are small, rural communities with very low crime rates. The main safety concern is traffic on the narrow farm roads, so drive carefully and watch for horse-drawn buggies.
Why are so many of these towns in Lancaster County?
Lancaster County was one of the first areas of Pennsylvania to be settled by Europeans, and the towns were founded close together along the Old Philadelphia Highway. The naming was informal and often based on local landmarks or inn signs.
Is there a town called “Virginville” because of a brothel?
No. Virginville is named after the Fergen family, who were early settlers. The spelling evolved over time, and the name has no connection to the town’s morals or businesses.
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