From 'Friendly' to 'Junior Mama Cat,' 12 unique road names in Brunswick County
As most people drive around Brunswick County, they are busy checking out the beauty of nature and reading the historical markers. But there are some unique road names that may have drivers taking a double take.
Here are 12 unique street names we found around the county. Have you noticed any interesting road names? If so, we'd like to hear them. Send the name, location, and a photo if you can snap one to Renee Spencer at rspencer@gannett.com.
Friendly Lane, Leland
Located off Lanvale Road, it's fitting that Friendly Lane is located next to Neighbors Way.
Mt. Misery Road, Leland
While no one is certain how this road got its name, there are a number of theories. According to one of them, it was named "Mount Misery" because of a sandhill that once was located in the area. Another theory is the area was dubbed Mount Misery because the land was difficult to work. A third theory states enslaved Africans were taken off boats near Mount Misery and forced to walk the 90 miles to Fayetteville.
More: Where did Mount Misery Road in Brunswick County get its name?
Lord Street, Southport
According to information on Southport's tourism website, Lord Street is named for a colonial figure, though it doesn't say which one. While there are other theories behind the name -- one includes the next three streets noted in this list -- some believe the name comes from the number of churches nearby. First Baptist Church of Southport, Mt. Carmel AME Church are both located on North Lord, and a handful of others are mere blocks away.
Howe Street, Southport
Howe Street is generally thought to be named after General Robert Howe, a New Hanover County native who once served as the commander of Fort Johnston. It runs through the center of the city, dividing it into East and West sides and is located in the city's central business district.
Dry Street, Southport
Many believe Dry Street is named after William Dry III who served as the Port Collector for Brunswick. Dry is also known for leading a counterattack on Spanish forces who attacked Brunswick Town in 1748. Dry is buried at the historic St. Philip's Church, located at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site.
I Am Street, Southport
This street is more difficult to figure out. According to Southport's tourism website, a town clerk "decided to have a little fun while drawing the street grid back in the 1950s." Others believe "I Am Street" combines with the three streets above to make a statement about Prohibition: "Lord Howe Dry I Am."
West West Street, Southport
No, it's not a typo. There is indeed a West West Street in Southport. The direction is especially important so as not to be confused with...
East West Street, Southport
That's right. West crosses Howe Street, meaning it has both a West side and an East side. Hence the directionals in the name.
Leak Street, Sunset Beach
While there is no information about the origin of this street's name, it runs through the Seaside North development in Sunset Beach.
Junior Mama Cat Trail NE, Bolivia
This is just a small path located off Randolphville Road, but with a name like "Junior Mama Cat," it's hard to miss.
Arnold Palmer Drive, Shallotte
You'd expect a road named Arnold Palmer Drive to be located at Augusta National Golf Club, but this thoroughfare is in Shallotte. Located in the Rivers Edge Golf Club and Plantation, Arnold Palmer Drive is named for the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course inside the development.
Bobby Brown Circle, Navassa
Is this road named after that Bobby Brown? Well, we can't be sure. But we do know it's located off Forest Hill Drive, and nearby roads are John Swann Street, JT Westerfield Drive and Edna Fields Drive.
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Here are 12 of Brunswick County's eye-catching road names
