The Summit of the Smoky Mountains' Apex Reverts to Its Original Native American Label
The United States Geographic Names Board approval was granted on Wednesday for a petition from the Eastern Cherokee Community to rename Clingmans Dome as Kuwohi, as stated in a press release from the park. The Cherokee term for the mountain means "mulberry place."
Superintendent Cassius Cash, of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, expressed pride in backing this movement to legitimize the mountain and pay tribute to its significance to the Cherokee. In the press release, Cash mentioned, "The Cherokee have maintained a profound relationship with Kuwohi and its surrounding areas, even before the land was transformed into a national park."
The National Park Service is thrilled at the prospect of continuing collaborations with the Cherokee to share their heritage and preserve this region jointly.
Kuwohi holds immense spiritual significance for the Cherokee and stands as the highest point within their ancestral territory, as per the park. The mountain's summit can be viewed from the Qualla Boundary, the residential area of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Every year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park temporarily closes Kuwohi for three half-days to facilitate visits from predominantly Cherokee schools, allowing them to explore its history.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the U.S., with more than 650,000 annual visitors. Kuwohi is among the park's top attractions.
Clingmans Dome gained popularity as its name after an 1859 survey conducted by geographer Arnold Guyot. He named the peak in honor of Thomas Lanier Clingman, a Confederate Brigadier General, attorney, U.S. Representative, and Senator from North Carolina, according to the park.
The name change proposal was submitted by Eastern Cherokee Chief Michell Hicks in January.
The National Park Service plans to incorporate the story of Kuwohi's renaming into its upcoming news bulletins, highlighting the importance of cultural respect and collaboration. During your next travel itinerary, consider visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to witness the spiritual significance of Kuwohi, now one of its most notable attractions.
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