The Parissi were a Celtic, Gallic tribe that dwelt on the bank of the Seine River during the Iron Age and the Roman Era. They lived in France where today the city of Paris is located, whose name was derived from the tribe. Makes you wonder how some U.S. cities got their name. Let’s take a look:
CANADIAN, TX: A city in Hemphill County with a population of less than 3,000. It is said the people there are not your average immigrant-hating, gun-toting racist Texans and want to be associated with the friendly, maple syrup drinking people of Canada. Makes sense.
COWARD, SC: Located in Florence County with a population of less than 1,000. Rumor has it that the name was chosen when it was discovered the entire male population of Baby Boomers avoided the draft by claiming to have bone spurs.
HOOKER, OK: Located in Texas County with a population of about 2,000, it was originally named Intelligent City to honor the first and only high school graduate from the area. Mayor Hogg, seeking to generate additional revenue beyond his moonshine sales, made the name change to attract tourists.
THREE WAY, TN: A city in Madison County with about the same population of Hooker, changed their name from Missionary Position to Three Way at the same time Hooker did in order to compete for the tourist trade. While Hooker initially got more tourists, Three Way soon surpassed them and became the vacation spot of choice for the more experienced traveler.
AMERICAN FORK, UT: 32 miles southeast of Salt Lake City the city has a population of just over 30,000. It was originally named simply Fork City but after they built a University there the students proudly wore tee shirts with an extended finger proclaiming “Fork U!” The city elders acted quickly; the finger was removed and the American added.