The Story Behind Changing Alaska’s Peak Name from Mt. McKinley to Denali
The towering peak of Denali, North America's tallest mountain, looms majestically at 20,310 feet above the Alaskan wilderness. Known for its impressive stature and breathtaking beauty, this mountain has been revered by Native Alaskans for generations, who often referred to it as "the Great One" or "the High One." Despite its longstanding significance to the indigenous peoples, the peak was named Mount McKinley in 1896 by a prospector, and it remained under that name for nearly a century. However, the decision to change it back to Denali in 2015 sparked a heated debate rooted in both history and politics.
The name Mount McKinley originated when William Dickey, a prospector heading toward the Klondike gold rush, saw the mountain and decided to name it after the newly nominated Republican presidential candidate, William McKinley. Dickey was drawn to the mountain’s enormity, and when he heard of McKinley’s nomination, he was inspired to bestow the peak with the president-elect’s name. This name was officially adopted in 1917, as the mountain's significance grew with the establishment of Mount McKinley National Park. The park was a result of efforts by conservationists, including Charles Sheldon, who believed in preserving the mountain's splendor and advocating for its recognition as Denali, a name that reflected the Native American heritage of the region.
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The push to rename the mountain continued for decades, driven by Alaskan natives and environmental advocates who wanted to honor the history and culture of the indigenous peoples. However, opposition came from Republican politicians in McKinley’s home state of Ohio, who saw the name change as a threat to the legacy of their historical figure. The debate persisted into the 1970s, especially as Alaska gained statehood and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act sought to address injustices against Native communities. Even after the creation of Denali National Park in the 1980s, the mountain’s name remained Mount McKinley.
It wasn’t until 2015 that the push to rename the mountain succeeded. President Barack Obama’s administration, under Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, decided to rename the mountain to Denali, reflecting the wishes of most Alaskans and acknowledging the region’s deep Native American roots. While some felt this was an attempt to erase McKinley's legacy, others argued that Denali was a more fitting name that honored the mountain’s cultural significance.
Thus, the mountain once known as Mount McKinley officially became Denali, symbolizing a victory for Native Alaskans who had long fought to restore their heritage and preserve the mountain's original name. It was a moment of cultural recognition that not only honored the past but also reflected the changing attitudes toward Native American history and the role it plays in shaping the identity of Alaska.
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