Growing up and living around Kansas City, you hear towns with weird pronunciation (like Olathe) and plenty of other oddballs here and there, but we bet you've never heard of some of these goofy ones before! These are some of the strangest names you'll ever see around here, we guarantee it.
9. Agency, Missouri
The name is odd, but the name's origin is from an agency of the Sac and Fox Indians in the late 1860s. Tame as the name is, it still sounds like someone's hiding a secret base here... under an obvious name.
8. Lone Jack, Missouri
This little town of around 1,000 people is a great spot to be alone, or at least it was for the single black jack tree that gave the town its name in 1841.
7. Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Excelsior springs sounds more like a chant you'd hear from knights at the round table, but this town and its 11,000 inhabitants are happy with their name. It's one of many springs, but it may be the most celebrated!
6. Tracy, Missouri
Towns named after people are pretty common in Missouri, but Tracy just seems a little too domestic. It has a population around 200 (as of the 2010 census) and has been around since the late 1800s. You go, Tracy!
5. Craig, Missouri
Speaking of people-towns, Craig is another one that sticks out like a sore thumb. It's also pretty small, with a population of around 250 residents, but it's been around since 1869. Maybe Craig and Tracy can get married?
4. Faucett, Missouri
I'm sure you've heard of it before, but probably in your kitchen instead of on a map. The sign in the photo above is advertising the Farris Truck Stop on I29, so if you'd like to visit a semi on stilts, we've found one for you over in Faucett.
3. Fall Leaf, Kansas
This little area named after a Delaware chief was established in 1868, but is no longer incorporated. Fall Leaf is such a small township that I couldn't even dig up a good photo to show you! How's that for obscure!? Here's a lovely fall leaf, which I assume is exactly what the town looks like.
2. Knob Noster, Missouri
The State Historical Society says the name "Knob Noster" is a combination of a knob (a hill) and someone with the last name Noster. Knob Noster sounds more like a schoolyard taunt than a township that's been around since 1846.
1. Peculiar, Missouri
Of course, this small town of under 5,000 people is the most peculiar. Their city motto is, "Where the 'odds' are with you." It's very fitting, I think.
Are there any other weird towns near Kansas City that you know of? Tell us in the comments below! Afterwards, check out what makes Kansas City the best place to live.
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