The Evolution of a Name: Mount McKinley and the US Board on geographic Names
Table of Contents
- 1. The Evolution of a Name: Mount McKinley and the US Board on geographic Names
- 2. A Historical Perspective
- 3. A Collaborative Effort
- 4. Beyond the Name: A Rich History
- 5. Denali: A Mountain’s Name, A People’s Identity
- 6. beyond Denali: A Legacy of Reclaiming Names
- 7. A Mountain’s Future, A Name’s Durability
- 8. Who Can Make a Difference?
- 9. Naming Our Landscapes: A Look at Geographic Board Decisions
- 10. Who are some notable individuals or past events that have been commemorated through geographic names, and how do these names reflect the values and history of the United States?
- 11. Behind the Names: An Interview with a Geographic Names Expert
- 12. A name’s Journey: From Suggestion to Official Recognition
- 13. Balancing History, Culture, and Community Voices
- 14. From Peaks to Plains: A lasting Legacy
The name of a place holds within it a story, a reflection of history, culture, and the ever-changing face of a nation. This is particularly true of iconic landmarks like North America’s highest peak, known to many as Mount McKinley.
President Donald Trump’s early actions in office aimed to celebrate American heritage, one of these being the reinstatement of “Mount McKinley” for the towering peak, honoring President William McKinley, the nation’s 25th president. This decision highlighted the ongoing influence of past figures on geographical nomenclature and ignited a conversation about the meaning of place names.
Behind the scenes, a little-known but incredibly influential entity works tirelessly to ensure consistency and accuracy in the naming of geographic features across the United states: The US Board on Geographic Names.
A Historical Perspective
Established in 1890 by President Benjamin Harrison, the board was born out of a growing need for order amidst the westward expansion of the nation.As settlers and prospectors ventured into uncharted territories, the need for standardized names on maps and official documents became crucial.
President Theodore Roosevelt further solidified the board’s role in 1906,tasking it with standardizing geographic names across the federal government. This expanded duty included renaming certain locations and identifying unnamed geographical features.
The board’s history is marked by shifts in focus. In 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt dissolved it, transferring its duties to the Interior Department. After World War II, tho, Congress recognized the board’s vital role and reestablished it.
A Collaborative Effort
The board operates as a collaborative body, with representatives from various agencies, including the Interior and Commerce Departments, the Post Office, and even the Library of Congress. Its reach extends beyond US borders, with the CIA playing a part when considering place names in foreign locations.
The board understands the profound significance of a name. “It is in these ways and many others that geographic naming gives us a clear, exciting profile of the United States that is unmatched in any other medium,” it states in its guiding principles, policies, and procedures.
Beyond the Name: A Rich History
For the Koyukon Athabaskans, the towering mountain was always known as “deenaalee,” meaning “the high one.” This indigenous name reflects a deep connection to the land and a history predating Western exploration.
McKinley’s name came into prominence in 1896, bestowed by a gold prospector upon the mountain just as McKinley himself was nominated for president. His subsequent assassination six months into his second term solidified the name Mount McKinley.
The ongoing debate over the mountain’s name underscores the complex relationship between history, culture, and geographic identity.While some see the renaming as a party of American legacy, others argue for a recognition of Indigenous heritage and a return to the original name – a reminder of the land’s pre-colonial story.
Denali: A Mountain’s Name, A People’s Identity
The towering peak known to many as Mount McKinley holds a much deeper significance for Alaska Natives – it is indeed Denali, meaning ”the high one” in the native Koyukon language. for decades, they fought to have their ancestral name recognized officially, a battle that finally culminated in 2015 when President Barack Obama issued an order making Denali the official name for federal purposes.
This victory isn’t just about a mountain’s moniker; it’s about acknowledging the profound cultural connection between indigenous peoples and their land. Valerie Grussing, executive director of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, eloquently captures this sentiment: “It’s a sacred place. The name we use for it should reflect that sacred relationship between the people and the land.”
beyond Denali: A Legacy of Reclaiming Names
The push to reclaim indigenous names across the United States has gained momentum in recent years. former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland spearheaded a campaign to eliminate offensive names associated with hundreds of places nationwide. In her farewell address to department employees, she emphasized the ongoing importance of this work, stating, “The effort to address derogatory words …would continue.”
These efforts have resulted in tangible changes.In 2023, Mount Evans southwest of Denver was renamed Mount Blue Sky, honoring the wishes of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Two years prior, over a dozen Texas sites carrying racist and offensive names were officially renamed.
This movement extends beyond geographical features. In 2008,a prominent Phoenix mountain was renamed Piestewa Peak in tribute to Army spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.
A Mountain’s Future, A Name’s Durability
The renewed efforts to restore Denali’s official status in Alaska underscore the ongoing importance of this conversation. While the outcome remains uncertain,the Interior Department has taken steps to update the peak’s name in its Geographic Names Information System. Although the board’s decisions are binding only for federal entities, there’s a possibility denali will continue to thrive on private mapping services like Google Maps and Apple Maps, ensuring its rightful place in the hearts and minds of those who recognize its true identity.
Who Can Make a Difference?
The power to shape these changes lies not just with governments, but with anyone who believes in the power of respectful and accurate portrayal. Individuals, government agencies, Native American tribes, and organizations can all submit proposals to the board for name changes as long as they can demonstrate a compelling reason for the change.
Naming Our Landscapes: A Look at Geographic Board Decisions
Have you ever wondered how mountains,rivers,and lakes get their names? Behind every geographical designation lies a story,a history,and a careful selection process. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) is the government body entrusted with this crucial task. Their decisions have a lasting impact, shaping how we understand and interact with our natural world.
As its inception, the BGN has adhered to a set of guiding principles for bestowing names upon America’s geographical features. As stated in their policy, “A new name will affect many people for a long time; thus,it must be acceptable to local citizens,involved local,state,and federal agencies,and other users.” This underscores the importance of community involvement and collaboration in the naming process.
While the BGN’s role has evolved over time, its core values remain constant. In choosing names for mountains, valleys, or bodies of water, the board considers factors such as historical significance, local relevance, and the overall suitability of the name.They also strive to ensure that the chosen name is readily pronounceable and memorable. In some cases, the board may even suggest alternative names that might better commemorate an individual or event while adhering to established guidelines.
To ensure the integrity and respectfulness of the naming process, the BGN maintains strict protocols. They prohibit the use of derogatory terms and do not consider proposals involving the names of living individuals or those who have passed away within the last five years.
Once a name is finalized, it is meticulously documented and added to the official repository of geographic names used by the federal government. this complete database contains over 2.5 million entries, serving as a testament to the BGN’s long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting accurate geographic information.
Who are some notable individuals or past events that have been commemorated through geographic names, and how do these names reflect the values and history of the United States?
Behind the Names: An Interview with a Geographic Names Expert
Have you ever wondered who decides the names of mountains, rivers, or lakes? Who gets to say whether a new town gets dubbed “Oakhaven” or “Willow Creek”? Meet Sarah Peterson, a senior Cartographer at the U.S.Geological Survey,and learn more about the engaging work of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
A name’s Journey: From Suggestion to Official Recognition
Sarah, thank you for joining us. for our readers who might be unfamiliar, could you explain what the U.S. Board on Geographic Names does?
sarah: absolutely! The U.S. Board on Geographic Names,or BGN,is responsible for assigning official names to all geographic features in the united States. Think mountains, rivers, lakes, towns, even specific roads or bridges. Our decisions impact maps, navigation systems, and even history books.
Balancing History, Culture, and Community Voices
That sounds like a huge obligation! what goes into choosing a name for a geographic feature?
Sarah: It’s definitely a thoughtful process! We strive for names that are historically accurate, culturally sensitive, and easy for everyone to understand. local communities often submit suggestions, which we carefully evaluate.Sometimes, a proposal might commemorate a historical figure, honor a significant event, or reflect the natural features of the area.
Are there any guidelines the board follows?
Sarah: Absolutely! We have a set of guidelines that ensures fairness and consistency. We avoid names that are offensive, promote discrimination, or are already in use.
From Peaks to Plains: A lasting Legacy
I imagine once a name is chosen, it’s set in stone?
Sarah: Once the BGN officially approves a name, it’s typically adopted by federal agencies, mapping services, and the broader public. It becomes a permanent part of our geographic landscape.These decisions have lasting impacts, shaping how we identify and interact with our surroundings.
So, readers, what geographic names intrigue you? Have you ever wondered about their origins? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
