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The state of Mississippi certainly has more than its share of bizarrely named towns. Some are named after early inhabitants and have curious, confusing, or mysterious translations. At least one was named after its plentiful vegetation, one was given its name because of its frightening inhabitants, and one founding father named the town in honor of his sweetheart. Some towns have fame that transcends their bizarre names, like Tupelo, which you may know as the birthplace of a 麻豆AV-famous singer, some would say the king of all singers. And since it's Mississippi, most towns celebrate music, whether blues, gospel, rock 'n roll, or a combination of them all. Discover these 7 most bizarrely named towns in Mississippi.

Natchez

The oldest town on the Mississippi River was named after the Natchez tribe, who lived in the area when the French established a fort there in 1716. They enslaved some of the Natchez, and the rest fled and settled with other tribes. The French also brought West Africans to the area as slaves. Both groups were experienced farmers who helped Natchez become a successful agrarian community. Soon, English and Spanish also settled in the town. Each ethnic group built homes and businesses according to the familiar styles of their countries, and Natchez today displays many of these different architectural influences.

With a population of 13,973, Natchez is a popular tourist area with lots to explore. The town was relatively untouched by the Civil War, so many grand examples of the town's architecture are still in existence and available to tour. For example, Choctaw Hall was built around 1836 and restored to its blend of Greek Revival and Federal grandeur by new owners in 2015. Each room is appointed with furniture and decor of the time. The owners live in the home but open it for tours of its four floors on Fridays and Saturdays. Consider staying at the 1865 Dunleith Historic Inn, which is often voted Best Bed & Breakfast. Its Castle Restaurant and Pub is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week and can be reserved for special events.

Hattiesburg

Many US towns are named after their early inhabitants, such as Native American tribes, or named for the town's founder. This town, however, was named by its founder, William Hardy, after his second wife, Hattie, who he declared to be the love of his life. Unfortunately, Hattie died before being able to see the town that was named for her. You may know that the town of 48,414 is the hometown of former NFL player Brett Favre, a country music singer, and Grand Ole Opry member Adam Doleac.

Today, Hattiesburg is known for its lively arts and music scene. The Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art strives to make art accessible to everyone and is behind the 55+ murals, 44 painted utility boxes, and sculptures you'll see all around town. "Parrots in Paradise" is dedicated to Jimmy Buffet, who attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Others celebrate the blues, rock 'n roll, community spirit, kindness, civil rights, the town's history, and much more. Concerts and stage performances are sure to be on any time you visit, as well as events at Town Square Park like the Farmer's Market. For example, every Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm, and Live at Five free music concerts on Fridays in the spring and fall. On March 15, celebrate the Craft Beer Festival at the RSJ Community Art Center; catch HubFest on March 29, which has crafts and food in the streets; and on April 26, there is the Downtown Crawfish Music Festival at Walthall Park.

Biloxi

How appropriate that Biloxi means "first people" and was the name of a native tribe that inhabited the area when the French established Fort Maurepas in 1699. Through the years, hurricanes have devastated Biloxi repeatedly, and each time, the town has come back better than before. Today, the town of 48,235 boasts both coastal calm and casino nightlife. Biloxi has two entertainment districts where patrons can carry their purchased drink in a go-cup and take it out the door.

Rent bikes at the Visitor's Center and tour the town. Dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico at Biloxi's white sand beach, and visit the Biloxi Lighthouse while you are there. Learn about Biloxi's history and vital role in the maritime and seafood industry at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, an impressive multi-story glass building showcasing 300 years of history in fun and interactive exhibits. From Harrah's to Hard Rock and the AAA Diamond-rated Beau Rivage, Biloxi's many casinos are both places to play and stay. If you want to please everyone in your group, a casino buffet is a good choice. No matter where you play, try the buffet at Beau Rivage at least once during your visit to Biloxi. When at the beach, why not check out Shaggy's for the food and the view!

Tupelo

Originally named "Gum Pond" due to the many gum trees in the area, people wisely reasoned that the area was, after all, not a pond and changed its name to Tupelo, which is the actual name of the gum trees. Those who loved The King, however, recognize Tupelo not as a tree but as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Snap a photo of yourself next to the lifesize statue of Elvis when you visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum. You can also take the Elvis' Tupelo Driving Tour from the comfort of your car and see his school, the hardware store where his mother bought his first guitar, and 12 other historic spots.

The Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is 210 acres with over 260 animals, including buffalo (American bison), that are grazing and roaming freely in the fenced fields. The Zoo also houses other animals like Watusi cattle, ostriches, llamas, zebras, Capuchin monkeys, and more, which you can see up close in the Safari Driving Tour using your vehicle or in the petting zoo. When you're hungry for lunch, try your luck and attempt to nab a spot at Sweet Tea and Biscuits Cafe, open 11 am to 2 pm Tuesday through Saturday. (Hint: Their menu includes much more than biscuits.)

Alligator

No list of bizarrely named Mississippi towns would be complete without mention of Alligator. Since the creatures are known to exist throughout the South, one has to wonder why this particular spot got the moniker. It seems that back in the 1800s, people noticed an especially large number of alligators in the lake, which they naturally dubbed Alligator Lake. It is located in Leroy Percy State Park, the oldest state park in MS. However, the park is in the northern part of the state, while most of Mississippi's alligator population is in the southeastern part. It is thought that alligators are attracted to the lake because it has an abundance of fish, like sunfish, bass, and crappies, as well as turtles. The alligators can easily be seen sunning on the banks or cooling off under the trees. While experts say alligators don't think of humans as food, visitors may breathe easier while taking in the view from the observation deck.

The town is just over one square mile in size, but there is a surprising amount to do and places to eat in surrounding towns. In Clarksdale, which is just a 16-minute drive from Alligator, folks rave about Hooker Grocer and Eatery, named in honor of blues singer John Lee Hooker. The eatery serves regional Southern dishes and more upscale specials. Clarksdale also has numerous well known hotels such as Hampton Inn and Suites, as well as private homes to rent. If you are a blues fan, stop at the Delta Blues Museum and plan to visit around the music festivals like Tater Superbad Blues Festival on March 29, the 22nd Annual Juke Joint Festival from April 10 through April 13, Birthplace of American Music Festival (BAM) June 12 through June 15, and the 27th Annual Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival August 8 through August 10.

Pascagoula

It is clear that this town of 21,582 was named after the Pascagoula Native American tribe, but that's not the bizarre part. Pascagoula translates to "bread eaters," a curious description of any group of people. The tribe was known to be gentle and peaceful. When they realized the aggressive Biloxi tribe outnumbered them, they drowned themselves in the Pascagoula River to avoid being enslaved.

To see a remarkable example of early architecture, visit the LaPointe-Krebs House and Museum. Built in 1757, it is the oldest known structure in the state and the only remaining example of tabby concrete construction on the Gulf Coast. Tabby concrete is made by burning oyster shells to create lime, then mixing the lime with sand, ash, water, and broken oyster shells, which are poured into a standing frame and left to harden into concrete strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds. The crushed shells are visible in the cement, giving it a shiny, glistening appearance.

Pascagoula Beach Park has everything you could want for an outdoor day: fire pits and grills, picnic tables, a playground, a splash pad, volleyball, fitness stations, a walking trail, restrooms, free parking, a fishing pier, and, of course, the white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

Tunica

In the language of the Tunica Native American tribe that lived in the area, the word "Tunica" translates to "the people." Those who named the town back in 1884 must have known that it would be the determination of the townspeople that would bring Tunica back from extreme poverty nearly 100 years later. For many years, an area of town known as Sugar Ditch Alley was among the poorest in the entire US. However, people saw the possibilities of casino gambling, and the first casino opened in 1992. Today, six casinos operate in Tunica proper with gaming tables, thousands of slots, and sports betting. Each casino has its own vibe, with restaurants ranging from casual to fancier and menus featuring steak, BBQ, Asian cuisine, and the always popular casino buffet offering something for everyone.

Don't spend all of your time inside the casinos, though, because there is a lot more to Tunica. The town is a member of the Mississippi Main Street Association revitalization program. Today, its streets are full of shops, local restaurants, and activities, all wrapped in unique Southern charm and hospitality. Visit tunicatravel.com for their visitor guide and promotions while planning your trip. Check out the Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center with its artwork. interactive displays, and descriptions of Tunica's part in shaping this Southern music genre. Six stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail are in Tunica, and the visitor's center can guide you on continuing the journey. Tunica is a great place to enjoy big-city activities with small-town charm. Should you want to see the bigger city too, Memphis, TN, is under an hour's drive away.

Explore the Old and the New

Clearly, Mississippi's bizarrely named towns have more to offer than sweet tea and grits (although those are a welcome start)! From Alligator to Hattiesburg, you could learn much about the state just by visiting its bizarrely named towns. Try your hand at Blackjack or luck at the Tunica slots, then enjoy a music or comedy show. Attend a music festival in Alligator and maybe take a peek at the legendary creatures while you're there. Check out Elvis' boyhood home in Tupelo, but don't miss your chance to see buffalo and other curious creatures up close at the zoo. Hit the beach and the baccarat tables in Biloxi, but whatever you do, be sure to see the murals throughout Hattiesburg. It is a treat for the eyes that reveals much about the state, the South, the music they built, and homegrown human values.