The New Name: What's Behind the Mt. McKinley Change?

For decades, the majestic mountain in Alaska has been known as Mt. McKinley, named after William O. Mitchell McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. However, in 2015, the name was officially changed to Denali, which is the Athabascan word for "the great one" or "the high one". This change was met with both support and opposition from various groups, and the reasons behind it are complex and multifaceted.

The decision to change the name of the mountain was made by the National Park Service (NPS) and the State of Alaska, after years of debate and consideration. The process began in the 1970s, when a group of Native American activists, led by Harold Schoenborn, a member of the Dena'ina Athabascan tribe, started a campaign to restore the mountain's original name. The group argued that the name Mt. McKinley was a remnant of the colonial era and did not reflect the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Alaska.

Over time, the campaign gained momentum, and in 1975, the NPS began to promote the use of the name Denali. However, it was not until 2015 that the final decision was made to officially change the name of the mountain.

So, what's behind the name change? Why did the government decide to go back to the mountain's original name, and what does it mean for the people of Alaska and the visitors who come to the mountain?

History of the Name Change

The name Mt. McKinley was given to the mountain in 1896, when the McKinley Glacier, which is located on the mountain, was named after President William O. Mitchell McKinley. The glacier was named in honor of the president, who was known for his support of the Klondike Gold Rush, which brought thousands of prospectors to Alaska in the late 1890s.

However, the use of the name Mt. McKinley began to be seen as a relic of the colonial era, and many people in Alaska began to question its legitimacy. In 1975, the NPS officially recognized the name Denali as the traditional name for the mountain, and began to promote its use.

Support for the Name Change

The name change was met with support from many people in Alaska, including the Dena'ina Athabascan tribe, which has lived in the region for thousands of years. The tribe saw the name change as an opportunity to reclaim their cultural heritage and to promote the recognition of their presence in the region.

In addition, many people in Alaska felt that the name Mt. McKinley was a reminder of the colonial era and the exploitation of the region's natural resources. They saw the name change as a way to move forward and to recognize the cultural diversity of the region.

Opposition to the Name Change

However, not everyone was in favor of the name change. Some people in Alaska felt that the name change was a matter of academic debate and that the name Mt. McKinley was a valid and historical part of the mountain's identity.

Additionally, some politicians and government officials expressed concerns that the name change would be a distraction from the mountain's true significance as a national park and a natural wonder.

Impact of the Name Change

The name change has had a significant impact on the way people think about the mountain and its cultural significance. For many people in Alaska, the name change is a matter of pride and a recognition of their cultural heritage.

The name change has also had an impact on the tourism industry, with some visitors to the park expressing disappointment that the mountain is no longer called Mt. McKinley. However, many people see the name change as an opportunity to learn more about the cultural history of the region and to appreciate the natural beauty of the mountain.

Geography and Climate of Denali National Park

Denali National Park is located in the Alaska Range, which is one of the most rugged and remote mountain ranges in the world. The park is home to the highest peak in North America, as well as a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.

The park's geography and climate are shaped by its location in a region of intense tectonic activity, where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates meet. This has resulted in a unique combination of volcanic, glacial, and fjordland features that make the park one of the most fascinating and beautiful places on earth.

Visitors to Denali National Park

Denali National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting over 600,000 visitors each year. The park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Visitors to the park can explore the mountain's scenic routes, including the Park Road, which takes visitors to the mountain's base. They can also take shuttle buses to the Wonder Lake, which offers stunning views of the mountain.

Cultural Significance of Denali National Park

Denali National Park has significant cultural and historical importance, not only for the indigenous people of Alaska, but also for the broader American public. The park is home to a diverse range of cultural resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and traditional uses of the land.

The park's cultural significance is reflected in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which recognizes its importance as a natural and cultural wonder of the world.

Statistics on Denali National Park

Here are some interesting statistics about Denali National Park:

• 93% of visitors to the park say that they had a very good or excellent experience.
• The park has over 1 million acres of land, including 6 million acres of wilderness.
• The park is home to over 20,000 species of plants and