If there's one thing we know from listening to John Cougar Mellencamp, it's that small-town pride runs deep. Also, that rural kids weirdly suck on chili dogs. But mostly, that people are really proud of their small towns.
And nowhere is that more the case than in these 14 places, each of which is known -- some might say "famous" -- for one single thing. The signs will let you know you what that thing is when you arrive, and the residents will make sure you never forget it.
Woodstock, NY
Yes, still hippies
The Woodstock music festival was held almost FIVE decades ago and, technically, on a dairy farm almost SIXTY miles away. But no matter: this scenic New York town will ALWAYS be known for the hippies, and quite possibly the greatest guitar rendition of the national anthem ever.
Roswell, NM
Aliens, of course
Despite the government's best efforts to cover it up, everyone knows that aliens totally crashed here in 1947. No? Not true? Anyway, while Roswell does rock the slogan, "The Aliens Aren't the Only Reason to Visit," the town hasn't shied away from working the whole extraterrestrial shtick. It's like a creepy, alien-themed Disneyland.
Haleyville, AL
Where 9-1-1 began
Okay, so obviously Haleyville isn't really famous since nobody outside of Alabama has ever heard of it, but turns out, the first ever 911 call was made here on February 16th, 1968. Ironically, it wasn't even to report an emergency; rather, a simple call between Alabama Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite, and Congressman Tom Bevill. Today, that red rotary phone's on display, signs demarcating Haleyville as home of 911 are everywhere, and predictably, there's a 911 Festival that 311 should probably play at.
Tupelo, MS
The birthplace of Elvis Presley
Memphis might be famous for Graceland, but it's got a bunch of other things on which to hang its hat, right? Maybe? Tupelo, however, won't let you forget that it's the town that produced Elvis, even if the King split when he was 13. Over-hyped sites include the hardware store where Elvis' mother bought him his first guitar, his childhood church, and the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum. There's also an Elvis Presley Festival in June, naturally.
Credit: Flickr/_adam_
Hershey, PA
Hershey's Chocolate
As home to the Hershey Chocolate Factory, the town is often called "Chocolatetown, USA" or "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Throw in a popular amusement park, the Hershey Story Chocolate Lab, and Hershey's Chocolate World, and you pretty much have a kid's version of heaven. But in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Salem, MA
Ummm, witches
While recently trying to stake its claim as the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard, Salem's entire identity is based on the infamous 1692 witch trials. Which every kid in America learns about. The local school is called Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, police cars have witch logos on them, and there's the Salem Witch Museum, among other occult-related sights and stores.
Clarksdale, MS
The birthplace of the Blues
Clarksdale -- or more specifically the crossroads of Hwy 61 & 49, where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil -- is hailed the "Birthplace of the Blues." Home to icons like Muddy Waters, Son House, and Robert Johnson, today it cements its claim to fame with the Historic Blues District, which includes Blues Alley, the Delta Blues Museum, and Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
