The answer is less interesting than one would expect. In 1943 State Highway 86 was extended from Tucson to the copper mining town of Ajo. In 1955 State Highway 85 was extended from Ajo to the Mexican border. The two highways met in a Y intersection ten miles south of Ajo. A highway junction, especially after a lengthy drive in the desert, always offers economic opportunity. With a few commercial and residential buildings developed the community asked the state for recognition as a town. State law requires that towns have at least 3 letters in their name. Thus Y became Why. The population, as of 2000, is 116. The highways no longer meet in a Y.
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