By Kristy McCaffrey
Arizona has its share of place names that might make people
cringe today, dating back to a colorful past and regional biases.
Throughout the state there are at least 15 geographic
features whose names include "Negro." This was actually an
improvement that took place in 1963 when the U.S. Geological Survey updated
designations that contained a different n-word. These places include Negro Ben
Peak, Negro Ben Spring and Negro Flat. But not every name is linked to racist
terminology—Cerro
Negro, a summit in Pima County, gets its name from the Spanish words meaning
"black hill."
 |
| Negro Ben Peak |
Today, the word "squaw" is considered offensive. A
rather prominent site in the Phoenix area, Squaw Peak, was renamed Piestewa
Peak in 2003, after the first Native American woman to die in combat in the
U.S. military in Iraq. But there are still at least a dozen features in the
state with the word "squaw" in the name—two Squaw Buttes, two Squaw Creeks and six other Squaw Peaks.
 |
| Piestewa Peak |
The Chinaman Trail, a 2.6-mile hiking trail in the Coronado
National Forest, got its name because of the Chinese laborers who constructed
it around the turn of the century. There are two China Peaks in Arizona. In
Cochise County, Chinese people from California financed a mine in the area; in
Graham County, chinaberry trees grew in the vicinity.
 |
| China Peak |
Skull Valley, near Prescott, got its name after a battle
between Yavapai and Maricopa Indians. The dead were never removed. When
settlers moved in, they were forced to build on land littered with the remains
of human skulls.
 |
| Skull Valley |
Bloody Basin, north of Phoenix, speaks to a deadly skirmish
as well, but the name more likely originated when a herd of sheep crossed a
bridge that gave way, sending the animals tumbling to the rocks below.
 |
| Bloody Basin |
The most provocative name, however, is Helen's Dome in
southeastern Arizona. Designated for a hill that lies within sight of Fort
Bowie—and is shaped
like a breast—it
was reportedly christened after the well-endowed wife of an officer in residence
at the fort. The original name was Helen's Tit, but was later softened to
Helen's Dome.
 |
| Helen's Dome |
While many place names have been changed, they are so
numerous—with many
in remote locations—that
the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names considers name changes
only when a petition is submitted.
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Aren't people funny? While the names of places and landmarks can be considered offensive, they do speak to the people of past generations. A boon to historians. Having said that, wow what a plethora of fascinating names Arizona has, and what a history. Thanks for sharing, Doris
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Doris. What's offensive often changes over time, doesn't it? But some vulgarities stand the test of time. And, as the last one illustrates, a sense of humor is timeless.
DeleteInteresting post Kristy . Its true offence changes over time. I can't imagine what would be said if we tried to use any of these names today. It's got me wondering now, how many 'offensive' names do we have over here in UK? One town that is close to where I live, whilst not too offensive, is not somewhere I'd like to live, its called Ramsbottom! Interesting! Great post thank you.
ReplyDeleteJill,
DeleteLOL, I'm sure we could all find something untoward in our area if we looked!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article, Kristy. I'm not that familiar with Arizona, so this was all news to me. It is too bad that the term "squaw" had become a derogatory word. I don't think when it was originally used by the native people that it was considered an insult. I think it is the connotation that developed when the Europeans started using that word that made it so negative. Still, it warms my heart to know that one peak was renamed to honor a Native American woman who lost her life in Iraq.
ReplyDeleteRobyn Echols writing as Zina Abbott
Robyn,
DeleteIt is a wonderful tribute that the peak was renamed. Thanks for stopping by!
Highly entertaining blog. You have to wonder what people were thinking when they come up with these names. My favorite is Intercourse, PA. LOL
ReplyDeleteAll the very best to you, Kristy.
Sarah,
DeleteI've not heard of that town in PA. What were they thinking? I sometimes wonder if typographical errors occur. My aunt lived in Cornville, AZ for a long time, but it was supposed to be called Cohnville, but when the application for the post office was placed, the name was written illegibly. Thanks for stopping by!
Yeah, Intercourse, PA is a colorful name, that's for sure. I think the story behind the name is way back in the founding and settling days, there was a horse race course and people came from miles around to race. But still... 0_o
DeleteKristy, what a fun post! Some of those place names are definitely not PC.
ReplyDeleteI grew up near Succor Creek. When I looked into the history of it, it was originally named Sucker Creek because miners would plant fool's gold in it to keep the greenhorns away from their claims. But around the turn of the century, newspaper editors changed it to Succor Creek, as in giving succor to those in need, because they thought the original name was vulgur. Ahem.
I don't know, I don't think Sucker Creek is all that bad of a name. And it speaks to the humor of the people at the time. :-)
DeleteHere in southeastern Colorado, the high school mascot in the town of Lamar is/are the Savages with a Native American image. Needless to say, there's an on-going controversy over changing it and so far, the school/town isn't budging.
ReplyDeleteKaye,
DeleteI'll bet there's a big uproar over that one. I can appreciate, however, that the Native Americans want it changed.