Tiny Treasures
According to the 2024 World Population Review, modest US towns usually report a population range of less than 20,000. But what's truly amazing is their history, culture, the ability to turn their heritage into living attractions, and more.
Brevard, North Carolina
This little city covers approximately 5.12 square miles and is at an elevation of 2,231 feet above sea level. It is about 27 miles from Asheville and close to the South Carolina border. Brevard is famously known as the "Land of Waterfalls" for obvious reasons.
Brevard, North Carolina (Cont.)
Here, you will literally find 250 waterfalls within easy access. Also, the Pisgah National Forest surrounds the town, with some world-class mountain biking trails. One of the unique features of Brevard is its population of white squirrels, a local symbol.
Brevard, North Carolina (Cont.)
According to local legend, Brevard's white squirrels go back to 1949, when two carnival truck escapees from Florida were gifted to a resident. After one squirrel escaped and the other was released, they began a breeding population that still thrives today.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis has a storied past, having been part of a Spanish land grant in 1789. The area became a well-known resort for wealthy planters in the 19th century. It was then incorporated as Shieldsborough in 1818 before adopting its current name in 1882.
Frank Kovalchek, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi (Cont.)
One exciting event is The Annual Spirit of Ohr. It is a celebration held at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. This event pays tribute to the renowned artist George E. Ohr, known as the "Mad Potter of Biloxi". And, the museum houses colorful, antique ceramics.
WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Leavenworth, Washington
Interested in some Bavarian-themed architecture? The entire town center of Leavenworth, Washington, is designed to resemble a Bavarian village. You will find ornamental wall paintings, scrollwork balconies, and intricate woodwork all around.
SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Leavenworth, Washington (Cont.)
Amidst the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian theme was said to be inspired by the natural alpine surroundings and the desire to create a tourist destination. Local entrepreneurs Ted Price and Bob Rodgers took up the responsibility to remodel existing buildings.
Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon, named after Abingdon, England, was established in 1778 and became the county seat of Washington County. Due to its strategic location along the Wilderness Road, it quickly developed as a center for trade and commerce.
w_lemay, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Abingdon, Virginia (Cont.)
The 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail begins in this historic town. Also, the Barter Theater, which was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, is among the oldest professional theaters in the US still in operation.
w_lemay, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Galena, Illinois
Before European settlement, this area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sauk and Fox, who mined lead in the region. The place was named "Galena" after the lead sulfide mineral galena, which was abundantly found in the area.
Julien.scavini, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Galena, Illinois (Cont.)
The town shows off a variety of styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Late Victorian designs. Some of these belong to the mid-1800s and have made it to the National Register of Historic Places. The Ulysses S. Grant Home, built in 1860, is one such example.
Julien.scavini, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
This picturesque village covers 2.14 square miles and is primarily land, with a small portion covered by water. The Chagrin River runs through the town, beginning in Bass Lake, and the largest waterfall is around 20 feet high.
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chagrin Falls, Ohio (Cont.)
In 1979, portions of the Chagrin River were designated as a State Scenic River. Chagrin Falls was founded in 1833 and was incorporated as a community in 1844 after being laid out in 1837. The village also hosts celebrations like The Pumpkin Roll every October.
Chagrin Falls Pumpkin Roll 2015 by Philip Botta
Aiken, South Carolina
Established in the early 1800s, Aiken served as a winter retreat for affluent Northerners looking for a temperate environment. The city gets its name after railroad tycoon William Aiken Jr. The railroad's arrival in the 1830s certainly boosted development.
Louis Schwartz, Wikimedia Commons
Aiken, South Carolina (Cont.)
This place offers equestrian activities, such as horse racing, polo, and fox hunting. Similarly, the Aiken County Historical Museum is housed in a former winter residence of a local family, the Crawfords. Hitchcock Woods is also one of the largest urban forests in the US.
Tombstone, Arizona
Here's a little backstory. The name "Tombstone" was inspired by the warnings Ed Schieffelin received from soldiers at Camp Huachuca. They told him he would only find his own tombstone in the area. However, he ended up discovering silver and establishing the town.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Tombstone, Arizona (Cont.)
This place served as the county seat of Cochise County from 1881 to 1931. One of Tombstone's well-known happenings is the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which occurred on October 26, 1881. It sadly gained a reputation for lawlessness due to many conflicts.
Tombstone 1909, Wikimedia Commons
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Cornish miners built this town's distinctive limestone cottages in the 1830s. In 1829, Mineral Point became the county seat of Iowa County, which proved its growing importance. This historic city was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mineral Point, Wisconsin (Cont.)
As of 2024, Wisconsin has a reported population of 2,557. The Mineral Point Zinc Company started in 1882, and by 1891, it operated the largest zinc oxide works in the US. Also, you shouldn't miss the Mineral Point Railroad Depot Museum, the oldest museum in all of Wisconsin.
JeremyA, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mineral Point, Wisconsin (Cont.)
Something known as the Cornish Festival takes place every year. Here, guests are treated to traditional Cornish food and entertainment. All this is set in the historic Pendarvis State Historic Site, which showcases restored miners' cottages.
James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fredericksburg, Texas
The architecture and cuisine of this Hill Country town are influenced by German settlers. Fredericksburg is approximately 70 miles northwest of San Antonio and 80 miles west of Austin. It was founded by German settlers (1846) and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia.
Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fredericksburg, Texas (Cont.)
Interestingly, the dialect known as "Texas German" is still spoken by some residents. And, if you want to see a wildflower farm, here's where you come. Wildseed Farms is one of the biggest family-owned wildflower seed farms in the country and is open seven days a week.
Ernest Mettendorf, Wikimedia Commons
Luckenbach, Texas
Here is another small, unincorporated community located about 13 miles from Fredericksburg. Luckenbach is associated with country music, particularly due to its mention in the song "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
Luckenbach, Texas (Cont.)
This town was originally named Grape Creek and was later renamed after Carl Albert Luckenbach, the son of one of the early settlers, Jacob Luckenbach. It is reported that in the 1900s, Luckenbach had a population of 492, which just adds to its "ghost town" feel.
Nicolas Henderson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Luckenbach, Texas (Cont.)
However, in 1970, it was purchased by Hondo Crouch and Guich Koock for around $30,000. They revitalized the town as a music venue and cultural center. Here, they began promoting the motto "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach".
Hot Furnace, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Astoria, Oregon
In recent years, tourism has become an essential part of Astoria's economy with attractions like the Columbia River Maritime Museum. A 44-foot US Coast Guard motor lifeboat and other historic vessels are displayed here. It was set up in 1962.
Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Astoria, Oregon (Cont.)
As a port city, Astoria lies at the mouth of the Columbia River. Another place worth visiting is Fort Clatsop. It is a reconstructed fort where Lewis and Clark's expedition wintered from 1805 to 1806. It is now part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Does one really find hope in here? The borough is roughly 1.4 square miles in size. It has gained fame as an artists' colony over the years. William Lathrop has been referred to as the "Father of the New Hope School" ever since he established a summer art school here.
Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Hope, Pennsylvania (Cont.)
Prior to being renamed New Hope in 1900, it was called Wells Ferry, Canby's Ferry, and Coryell's Ferry. The place was first settled around 1715. After a fire destroyed previous mills, the New Hope Mills was formed in 1790, hence the name.
Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Winterset, Iowa
When Winterset was first platted in 1849, its original name was supposed to be "Summerset". But because the summer was unusually chilly, the name was altered to "Winterset". Madison County's famous landmark has to be Winterset's covered bridges.
Teddi Yaeger, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Winterset, Iowa (Cont.)
There are six covered bridges, with one located in Winterset City Park. These bridges inspired the book and film The Bridges of Madison County. Winterset is basically the county seat of Madison County and is situated 30 miles southwest of Des Moines.
Lfcastro, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Winterset, Iowa (Cont.)
The iconic birthplace of John Wayne now houses a 6,100-square-foot museum celebrating the actor's life. Marion Robert Morrison (birth name) was born in Winterset in 1907. The facility is divided into three exhibitions: "The Actor," "The Family Man," and "The American".
Thaddeus Roan, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Red Bank, New Jersey
Red Bank's Navesink River was used as a transportation route. It allowed trade and commerce. The town developed into a commercial center by the mid-19th century, supported by the railroad's arrival (1860). Red Bank also hosts the International Beer, Wine & Food Festival.
Bogdan Migulski, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Red Bank, New Jersey (Cont.)
About the Holiday Lighting Ceremony: it features a Holiday Express Concert, where live music is performed, and the holiday lights are officially lit for the first time. As of now, in 2024, the reported population there is said to be 12,715.
Rednoze, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Isle Of Palms, South Carolina
Here you will find six miles of sandy beaches, inclusive of Isle of Palms beach and Front Beach. The island was formally named Isle of Palms in 1899 and has since seen significant residential development, especially after World War II.
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Isle Of Palms, South Carolina (Cont.)
Islander 71 Fish House & Raw Bar and Huey's Southern Eats are two recommended eating spots in this locality. There is also something known as the Farmers' Market, which runs from June through October, with events held on the third Thursday of each month.
Paul Conklin, Wikimedia Commons
Taos, New Mexico
The name "Taos" comes from the Tiwa language of the Indigenous Pueblo people, meaning "place of red willow". This was initially set up as a fortified trading outpost in 1615. Taos has a long history marked by significant events.
Aaron Zhu, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taos, Mexico (Cont.)
Some of these are the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680 against Spanish colonial rule and the town's incorporation in 1934. This place, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is one of the earliest continuously inhabited communities in the country.
Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Helen, Georgia
This city was laid out by John E. Mitchell between 1912 and 1913. It was named after the daughter of a lumber official, and it was incorporated on August 18, 1913. Helen, Georgia, has an annual Oktoberfest celebration that takes place at the Helen Festhalle.
National Archives at College Park, Wikimedia Commons
Helen, Georgia (Cont.)
The first Oktoberfest began in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese. This tradition was the inspiration for Helen's festival, which began in 1970 after the town was turned into a Bavarian-style village.
Heribert Pohl, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Helen, Georgia (Cont.)
In addition to Oktoberfest, there are other functions taking place throughout the year. These include the "Southern Worthersee," a Volkswagen and Audi show. Plus, an annual hot-air balloon race is held on the first weekend in June.
Camden, Maine
Going back to the past, Camden was seen as a significant shipbuilding center in the 19th century and played a critical role in Maine's maritime economy. It was first settled in the late 18th century and then incorporated in the year 1791.
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Camden, Maine (Cont.)
The town's name is believed to be derived from Camden Town in London. The place is present on the midcoast of Maine, along Penobscot Bay. Camden Harbor is a focal point of the town, with lovely views of sailing boats and yachts.
Camden, Maine (Cont.)
Also, the Camden Windjammer Festival is annually held over Labor Day weekend. It features exciting activities like the Lobster Crate Race and the Chowder Challenge. The festival celebrates this legacy and honors Frank Swift, who founded Maine Windjammer Cruises in the 1930s.
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