Throughout its history, the town of Mountain has confused and sometimes annoyed visitors and residents alike with the fact that there is no actual mountain located anywhere in or around the town of Mountain.
During the settlement the town of Mountain had also been known as Armstrong with Mountain ironically being the name that stuck. This misleading name matters because it still creates confusion to this day. Typically the next question one gets once they have identified that they are indeed from a town actually called Mountain, is whether there is any actual mountain in the town. While there are many versions of how the town came to be bestowed with this puzzling name, it is generally agreed that the name Mountain came from the numerous granite outcroppings that were once so visible in the area. Some are actually pleased with the name while others find it quite annoying. Despite these varying opinions it is quite clear that the name is not going to change anytime soon.
Imagine that you are driving on Highway 32 when you decide to stop at a town called Mountain. While the land is far from being flat with it hilly landscape and windy roads you begin to wonder why you have not seen the mountain of Mountain yet. After questioning some of the local residents you come to find out that there is no mountain in a town called Mountain. A little confused and slightly annoyed that you even bothered, you continue on with your drive as well as the rest of your life.
It may seem odd that Mountain would even be allowed to have it name, considering how it does not have any mountain to back up its name. Or that the United States Government would make a town official under the name of Mountain, without checking if there is indeed a mountain. However there have been numerous examples of names given throughout history that purposely ignore reality. The example of Greenland and Iceland come to mind. While Mountain was reasonably not given its name in order to misdirect other settlers, it has still caused a lot of confusion throughout the years. Therefore it is quite possible for a town to be called Mountain, when in fact there are no mountains located within or around the town.
So what lesson can be learned from the confusing town of Mountain? The main lesson that can be learned here is to not take names too seriously or literally. As there is no formula for coming up with a name for a place, there really is no rhyme or reason why a name may become popular. Nearly every place you visit will have a known history of how the place came to be known as a certain name. Some of these places and the history of how they got their names may surprise you. The town of mountain less Mountain will continue to intrigue and baffle new generations and visitors for many years to come.
Wisconsin Rediscovered 