On May 20, 1969, the first Battle of Hamburger Hill during the Vietnam War took place. This battle, officially known as the assault on Hill 937, involved U.S. Army and South Vietnamese forces fighting North Vietnamese troops in the rugged terrain of the A Shau Valley.
The fierce combat lasted for ten days and became highly controversial due to the heavy casualties and the strategic value of the hill. The battle drew considerable attention from the American public and contributed to growing debates about U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Also on that day, the Wismans sent a picture postcard to Mr. and Mrs. H. Cheatham in Yuma, Arizona. On the front of the card was a photo of an ocotillo cactus. The simple message inside reads:
“Thank you for your card and the info about the raffle. Maybe I can find some in Mex. Quite warm here – in the 100s. Feels so good. Not many here in Organ P. right now – 13 at last count. Guess they will close down the park June 1st. If we come to Yuma will stop by & say hello. Will be here to June 1st. Bye for now. The Wisman’s.”
The Wismans were staying at an RV park in Ajo, Arizona, at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Why, Arizona, is only a stone’s throw from there, a distance of 11 miles. This traveling couple evidently picked up their card while visiting Why.
Why, Arizona is a small, unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of the state, near the junction of State Routes 85 and 86. Its unusual name has sparked curiosity and amusement among travelers and locals alike. The story behind the name “Why” is as unique as the town itself, reflecting both geographical circumstance and creative thinking.
The origin of Why, Arizona’s name dates back to the 1950s. At that time, two major highways—State Route 85 and State Route 86—intersected at a Y-shaped junction. The site became a natural stopping point for travelers heading south to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument or west toward Ajo and other destinations.
As a community began to form around the junction, residents needed a name for the new settlement. They chose “Y” to represent the shape of the intersection that gave the location its identity.
Although “Y” seemed logical, Arizona law required that town names have at least three letters. This rule was meant to standardize naming conventions and avoid confusion. Facing this restriction, the community members had to think creatively.
Rather than abandon the reference to the iconic highway junction, they simply spelled it out as “Why.” This clever solution satisfied the legal requirement and preserved the original inspiration for the town’s name.
Today, Why remains a small but memorable stop for travelers exploring southern Arizona. The original Y-intersection no longer exists in its original form due to highway realignments for safety reasons. Still, the town’s quirky name continues to attract attention and serves as a reminder of its unconventional beginnings.
Why, Arizona, is often featured in compilations of unusual place names. Its story is a testament to the resourcefulness and humor of its founders, and it stands as a symbol of the American Southwest’s distinctive character. Visitors frequently stop for photos with the town sign and share tales of their travels to “Why.”
The history of Why, Arizona, is both simple and remarkable. It began with a practical need to name a community and ended with a solution that has become a source of pride and amusement. The town’s existence is a reminder that sometimes, the answer to “Why?” is itself a story worth telling.
There’s no way for me to identify the Wismans, as these folks didn’t say in their postcard where they were from. Why? Only they know the answer to this, along with the Cheatham’s, At this point, none of them are talking.
Harold G. Cheatham, a WWII veteran, died on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1971, in Phoenix. His wife, Floda K. Cheatham, passed away 18 years later on December 11, 1989.
I like to write junk... 