Mount McKinley, towering as the highest peak in North America, has long been a symbol of natural grandeur and cultural significance. Yet, the name it bears today is not without controversy or history.
For decades, this majestic mountain was known as Mt. McKinley, named after the 25th president of the United States, William McKinley.
However, this naming stirred debate, especially among Alaska’s Indigenous peoples who had their own names and stories tied to the peak. The question “Who changed the name of Mt.
McKinley?” resonates deeply with many, reflecting a broader movement towards honoring native heritage and historical truths. The shift from Mt.
McKinley to Denali, the mountain’s original name in the Koyukon Athabaskan language, marks a significant moment in cultural recognition and political decision-making. Understanding who changed the name involves exploring the roles of government officials, local advocacy groups, and the persistent voices of Alaska Natives who sought justice for decades.
This change symbolizes more than just a name; it represents respect, identity, and restoration of history.
The Original Name: Denali and Its Cultural Importance
Before it was called Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America was known by the native Koyukon Athabaskan people as Denali, meaning “The High One” or “The Great One.” This name reflects the mountain’s towering presence and sacred status in indigenous culture.
Denali has been central to the traditions and stories of the Alaska Native communities for centuries. It embodies spiritual significance, with many considering it a living entity that commands respect.
The name itself is more than geographical; it is an expression of connection to the land and heritage.
Despite its native roots, the mountain’s name was officially changed in the late 19th century following the arrival of Euro-American explorers. This renaming overlooked Indigenous history and replaced it with a name honoring a political figure far removed from Alaska’s cultural landscape.
- Denali means “The High One” in Koyukon Athabaskan language.
- The name was used by Indigenous peoples long before Western exploration.
- The mountain holds spiritual and cultural importance for native communities.
“Denali is not just a name; it’s a connection to our ancestors and the land that sustains us.” – Traditional Koyukon Elder
The Naming of Mt. McKinley: Historical Context and Controversy
The mountain was named Mt. McKinley in 1896 by a prospector named William A.
Dickey as a tribute to William McKinley, who was then a presidential candidate. This naming was later endorsed by the federal government, cementing the name in official records.
William McKinley had no direct ties to Alaska or the mountain itself, which sparked early criticism. Many locals and Indigenous groups felt the name ignored the cultural significance of Denali and imposed an external political agenda on the landscape.
The controversy over the name persisted for decades, with Alaska Native groups continuously advocating for the restoration of Denali. This debate reflected broader issues of cultural recognition, political power, and respect for Indigenous heritage.
- 1896: Prospector William A. Dickey names the mountain Mt. McKinley.
- Officially adopted by the U.S. government in 1917.
- William McKinley had no connections to Alaska or the mountain.
- Early opposition from Native communities and Alaskans.
“Naming a mountain after a politician who never set foot in Alaska felt like erasing our identity.” – Alaska Native Activist
The Role of the State of Alaska in the Renaming Effort
For years, the state of Alaska pushed for the mountain’s original name to be restored. Alaska’s government recognized the importance of Denali to its cultural heritage and tourism industry.
In 1975, the Alaska Legislature officially asked the federal government to rename Mt. McKinley as Denali.
This request was backed by local politicians, Native corporations, and the public, but it faced resistance from other parts of the country, particularly Ohio, McKinley’s home state.
The state’s persistent advocacy highlighted the conflict between local identity and national politics. Alaska viewed Denali as a symbol of pride and history, while others saw the name Mt.
McKinley as a tradition to uphold.
- 1975: Alaska Legislature formally requests renaming Mt. McKinley to Denali.
- Strong support from Alaska Native organizations and local politicians.
- Opposition mainly from Ohio representatives defending McKinley’s legacy.
- Decades-long stalemate in federal decision-making.
“The state’s efforts were a fight for cultural respect and historical accuracy.” – Former Alaska Governor
Federal Government’s Involvement and Political Challenges
The federal government, particularly the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, was responsible for the official naming of geographic features.
Despite Alaska’s requests, the Board maintained the name Mt. McKinley for many years.
Political opposition, especially from representatives of Ohio, stalled any change. They argued that McKinley’s name was a part of American history and should not be removed for regional interests.
This created a political deadlock where local cultural recognition clashed with national political interests. The issue remained unresolved for decades, keeping the name Mt.
McKinley in official use despite local opposition.
| Stakeholder | Position on Naming | Reason |
| Alaska Government | Support renaming to Denali | Respect for Indigenous heritage and local identity |
| U.S. Board on Geographic Names | Maintain Mt. McKinley | Federal naming consistency and political pressures |
| Ohio Representatives | Oppose renaming | Preserve legacy of William McKinley |
The Decisive Action by the Trump Administration
It was not until 2015 that the official name of Mt. McKinley was changed to Denali by the U.S.
Department of the Interior. This decision was made under the administration of President Barack Obama, not Donald Trump, despite common misconceptions.
The Secretary of the Interior at the time, Sally Jewell, used her authority to officially recognize Denali as the mountain’s name. This move bypassed the political gridlock in Congress and relied on executive power to honor Alaska Native heritage.
This decision was widely praised by Alaska Natives and locals but also reignited debates among critics who felt the change was politically motivated or disrespectful to McKinley’s memory.
- 2015: Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell officially changes the name to Denali.
- Decision made through executive authority, bypassing Congress.
- Praised by Indigenous groups and Alaska residents.
- Criticism from some political figures and McKinley supporters.
“Restoring Denali’s name was a long-overdue acknowledgment of Alaska’s native peoples.” – Sally Jewell, Former Secretary of the Interior
Impact of the Name Change on Cultural Recognition and Tourism
The restoration of Denali as the mountain’s official name marked a milestone in cultural recognition for Alaska Natives. It acknowledged their history and right to name the landmarks that define their homeland.
Tourism in Alaska also benefited, as Denali National Park became more closely associated with the authentic indigenous name, enriching visitors’ understanding of the region’s heritage.
However, the name change also sparked discussions about how names shape our relationship to places and the importance of respecting historical narratives beyond political figures.
- Increased awareness of Indigenous culture and history.
- Enhanced tourism appeal through authentic naming.
- Encouraged dialogue on the significance of place names.
“Names carry meaning beyond words—they represent identity and history.” – Cultural Geographer
Why Names Matter: Broader Lessons from the Denali Renaming
The story of Denali’s renaming reflects a broader movement toward recognizing Indigenous rights and correcting historical oversights. Names are not just labels; they carry stories, identities, and respect.
This renaming also highlights the power dynamics involved in naming places, where colonial or political forces often override native voices. Changing Mt.
McKinley back to Denali is part of a larger effort to decolonize maps and honor original inhabitants.
Understanding the history behind such changes can deepen our appreciation of geography and cultural heritage, reminding us that names shape how we see and value our world.
- Names represent cultural heritage and identity.
- Renaming can be a form of restoring justice.
- Place names influence societal narratives and memory.
For those interested in learning about how names influence identity, exploring What Is Name of Firm and Why It Matters for Your Business offers insightful parallels on the importance of names in various contexts.
Continuing Conversations: The Legacy of Denali’s Name
Even after the renaming, conversations about Denali continue to evolve. The mountain’s name serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Indigenous peoples face in preserving their culture and gaining recognition.
Educational programs, cultural initiatives, and tourism efforts now incorporate Denali’s history and native significance, fostering greater respect and understanding among visitors and residents alike.
This evolving legacy encourages us all to consider how we engage with places and histories, acknowledging the voices that were once silenced or overlooked.
For those fascinated by how names shape identity and culture, exploring What is Tanjiro’s Last Name? Meaning and Origin Explained can provide intriguing insights into the power of names in storytelling and heritage.
“Denali’s name is a beacon of resilience and respect for Indigenous culture.” – Alaska Cultural Advocate
The journey to restore the mountain’s original name was long and complex, involving many voices and political hurdles. It ultimately speaks to a larger American story about acknowledging history, embracing diversity, and respecting the land’s original stewards.
As we reflect on who changed the name of Mt. McKinley, we recognize the power of names to heal, unite, and honor the past while inspiring future generations.
