Renaming of Gulf of Mexico and Denali Explained
In a recent executive order, President Donald Trump has stirred up discussions by calling for the renaming of two iconic American landmarks—the Gulf of Mexico and Denali, the highest peak in the U.S. While some may question the significance of such changes in the face of larger national issues, the process of renaming places in the United States involves a formal and meticulous procedure that holds great importance.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a division of the U.S. Geological Survey responsible for standardizing place names, plays a crucial role in determining the official names used by the government. This board, which is tasked with ensuring clarity and consistency in maps and official documents, follows specific guidelines and protocols when considering requests for name changes.
Renaming Process: A Closer Look
Typically, the process of renaming a place begins at the local level, with individuals or groups in a state or county proposing a new name and garnering support for the change. Each state has its own set of procedures for initiating and approving such requests, which may involve multiple levels of government oversight.
For instance, in a recent case, the state of Minnesota successfully changed the name of a lake in Minneapolis to Bde Maka Ska, reflecting its Dakota heritage. This renaming process involved approvals from various local and state authorities before being officially recognized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
However, renaming significant landmarks can be a lengthy and contentious process, as seen in the 40-year struggle to rename Denali from its former designation as Mount McKinley. Despite repeated requests from the state of Alaska dating back to 1975, objections from members of the Ohio congressional delegation, honoring President William McKinley’s legacy, delayed the name change.
Political Implications and International Considerations
The appointment of the secretary of the Interior Department, who oversees the Board on Geographic Names, holds significant political weight in the decision-making process. Under the leadership of Secretary Sally Jewell in 2015, President Barack Obama officially recognized the name change for Denali, acknowledging its cultural significance to Alaska Natives and the strong support from the local community.
While renaming domestic landmarks falls within the purview of U.S. agencies, such as the Department of the Interior, the process becomes more complex when considering international territories, like the Gulf of Mexico. The legal jurisdiction over international waters beyond the 12-mile coastal boundary presents challenges in enforcing name changes beyond U.S. borders.
Although the U.S. government may officially adopt new names for geographic features, such as the Gulf of Mexico becoming the Gulf of America, there is no universal authority to mandate other countries to follow suit. While international cooperation or diplomatic measures could be pursued to encourage global recognition of new names, enforcement remains a challenge.
On January 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the implementation of the name restorations mandated by President Trump’s executive order. The Gulf of Mexico is now officially recognized as the Gulf of America, and Mount Denali has reverted to its former title of Mount McKinley, reflecting a nod to American heritage and tradition.
As the U.S. Board on Geographic Names swiftly updates federal nomenclature to reflect these changes, the impact of these renamings extends beyond mere labels on maps. They serve as symbols of national identity, cultural heritage, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding the significance of place names in shaping our collective memory and history.
