The Tallest Peak In North America Is Now Officially Re-Named Denali
President Barack Obama announced on Sunday, August 30, 2015 that Mount McKinley will be officially renamed Denali.
The 20,237′ (6,168m) peak is the tallest peak in North America. For thousands of years, Denali was the mountains original native Alaskan name, but it was changed from Denali to Mount McKinley in 1896 by a gold prospector when William McKinley was nominated to be the 25th President of the United States. McKinley served as President until he was assassinated in 1901. He never stepped foot in Alaska. Since then the mountain’s name has been a topic of controversy.
Obama made the change prior to a 3-day visit to Alaska. He is attempting to call attention to climate change, which directly affects Alaska. When announcing the change, US Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said, “With our own sense of reverence for this place, we are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska.”
For Alaskans the name change brings a sense of relief, as it is something they have attempted to do for decades. At the federal level it has been repeatedly blocked by McKinley’s home state, Ohio.
Denali translates to “High One” or “Great One” in Athabascan. It is used extensively by many people. For many Alaskans, Denali is a sacred and symbolic place and they are pleased to have the continent’s highest summit renamed its original name – Denali. But there has been political uproar this week over the sudden name change.
Long Live Denali!
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