WHAT'S IN THE NAME! ON ROUTE 66

Quapaw, Oklahoma - "Quapaw is named for the Quapaw Indians, who were removed from Arkansas to Oklahoma, then known as Indian Territory. Quapaw is derived from "Ugakhpa", a tribal term for "downstream people". In 1926, the year Route 66 was officially established, peak production of zinc reached 423,000 tons and 912,117 tons of lead were produced from the town of Quapaw."
(Bottom Photo) Catoosa, Oklahoma - "Catoosa is named for the nearby Catoosa Hill, just west of the town. The name is supposedly derived from a Cherokee word meaning "on the hill". During the days of castle drives, Catoosa was a wild place. The town was rebuilt after a tornado ripped through in 1993." Oklahoma Route 66 Association Trip Guide www.oklahomaroute66.com

Orongo, Missouri - "The name, according to local tradition, came about when it was found that the previous name, "Minerville" was already taken. At a public meeting to change the name, after considering many possibilities, a man in the back blurted out "its Ore or no go", referring to the mining operations. Elaborating on that, Colonel J. M. Young, suggested substituting the Spanish word "Oro" for ore, and the dropping the "or" to make the word euphonius. He pronounced it "Oronogo" and the audience accepted the name.[1]" - Wikipedia

Niangua, established February 1888. The name Niangua, probably so-called for the Indian phrase "Ne anoga" which translates "water that runs over a man". Locals say Niangua comes from another phrase meaning "I won't go away" or "I won't go farther", suggesting that this is the site where one would settle. Page 108, "Why'd They Name It That? A Look At Some "Peculiar" Missouri Towns" by C.H. (Skip) Curtis.