Irving, Texas: A Name with a Story (Or Maybe Not)
So, you’re wondering how Irving, Texas got its name, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a tale as old as time... or at least as old as 1902.
The Great Name Debate
You'd think naming a town would be a piece of cake. I mean, how hard can it be? You look around, see a big ol' oak tree, and boom, you've got Oakville. But apparently, the founders of Irving had other ideas.
Legend has it that the town was originally called Gorbit. Yes, Gorbit. Like a cross between a goblin and a hobbit. I'm not making this up. People actually lived there. Then it became Kit. Kit? Seriously? Sounds like a cat food brand.
Finally, in 1902, some smart folks decided Gorbit and Kit just weren't cutting it. They needed something with a bit more class, something that would make people think, "Wow, that's a sophisticated place." And so, they chose Irving.
Washington Irving: The Unexpected Culprit
Now, you might be thinking, "Irving? That's a pretty normal name. What's the big deal?" Well, dear reader, there’s a twist. It turns out the town was named after Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.
Imagine that. A town in Texas, known for its scorching heat and love for BBQ, named after a guy who wrote about headless horsemen and dudes who slept for 20 years. It's like naming your kid Shakespeare and dressing them up as a cowboy.
So, Did They Really Mean It?
The thing is, we don't really know if they meant to name the town after Washington Irving. It's a popular theory, sure, but it's also possible they just liked the sound of the name. Maybe one of the founders had a distant cousin named Irving, and they thought, "Hey, that's a pretty solid name for a town."
Who knows? Maybe they were big fans of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and were hoping for some ghostly visitors. Or maybe they were just really tired of brainstorming. Either way, Irving it is.
How to... Irving Trivia
- How to impress your friends with Irving trivia: Mention that Irving was once called Gorbit.
- How to plan a unique road trip: Visit Irving and look for headless horsemen (just kidding).
- How to appreciate the irony of life: Ponder the connection between Washington Irving and Texas.
- How to support local businesses: Explore the charming downtown area of Irving.
- How to have a good laugh: Remember the names Gorbit and Kit.