Within hours of his inauguration, President Donald Trump made it clear that he was committed to celebrating American greatness. In one of his early executive orders, he aimed to honor those who have significantly contributed to the fabric of this nation.
To kick off this initiative, President Trump directed that North America’s tallest peak be referred to by its original name, Mount McKinley, rather than Denali, in tribute to the 25th president, William McKinley. He also tasked the U.S. Interior Department with collaborating with Alaska Natives and others to better reflect their history and culture in the naming of geographical landmarks.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a little-known but important entity established in 1890, will play a pivotal role in this endeavor. It was created to address the confusion that arose as settlers moved west following the Civil War, making it essential for the federal government to have consistent references for landmarks.
The formation of this board can be traced back to President Benjamin Harrison, who issued an executive order to bring order to the naming process. President Theodore Roosevelt further formalized its role in 1906, giving the board the responsibility of standardizing names throughout the federal government. However, in 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt disbanded the board, transferring its functions to the Interior Department. After World War II, Congress decided to reinstate it.
Under the Trump administration, the board will see new members, although representatives from various federal agencies, including the Interior and Commerce departments, will still participate. Members serve two-year terms, and the committee responsible for U.S. names convenes monthly.
The importance of names is not lost on the board, which emphasizes that geographic features reflect America’s evolving history. Names of Native American origin and terms from early explorers are integral to understanding the nation’s past. For example, the Koyukon Athabaskans have always referred to Mount McKinley as “deenaalee,” meaning “the high one.” Despite having never set foot in Alaska, McKinley’s name became attached to the mountain in 1896 due to a gold prospector’s admiration.
Over the years, the battle over the mountain’s name has seen many twists and turns. After Alaska’s petition for the original name was blocked repeatedly, President Barack Obama finally declared Denali to be the official name for federal purposes in 2015. However, many recognize that names shape our identity and connection to the land. Valerie Grussing, executive director of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, speaks to this connection, highlighting that the name reflects the sacred relationship between people and their environment.
In more recent years, the board has taken steps to address offensive geographic names, with campaigns aimed at changing derogatory terms and acknowledging cultural sensitivities. Such efforts have seen significant changes, including a recent decision to rename Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky, honoring the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.
As discussions about name changes continue, the priority remains on maintaining a connection to history while ensuring local communities have a say in the process. Anyone can propose a name change to the board, and the criteria for acceptance involves community support and a solid rationale.
Names hold power, and this board continues to ensure that the names on our maps reflect not only our nation’s rich history but also the voices of those who call these places home. The dialogue around these names showcases the pride we take in our heritage and the enduring legacy of those who have shaped our nation.
