Why are so many American highways named after animals, colors, or seemingly random objects?

The naming of highways in the United States is often a curious mix of practicality, local pride, and a touch of poetic creativity. Back in the mid-20th century, when states began numbering and naming their highways, they wanted titles that would resonate with local identity or geography. For instance, animal-themed names like Alligator Alley in Florida evoke the natural environment the road passes through—swamps teeming with (you guessed it) alligators. Color names, like Blue Ridge Parkway, often highlight a defining natural feature or the way the landscape looks under certain conditions. As for the more offbeat ones—like Pearblossom Highway in California or Turkeyfoot Road in Kentucky—they often stem from old traditions or landmarks that locals knew well. Imagine a farmer, years ago, using the odd shape of a turkey’s foot to describe a split in the road, and that nickname simply sticking. These quirky names, born of necessity and local culture, now add character to American road trips, giving drivers a chance to wonder about the stories behind the signs.