The U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee unanimously voted on Wednesday to rename Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Kuwohi, the traditional Cherokee name for the mountain. Kuwohi, meaning “mulberry place,” reflects the cultural and historical ties of the Cherokee people to the region.
This decision is the result of a years-long effort to restore the mountain’s original name. Clingmans Dome was previously named after Thomas Clingman, a U.S. Senator from North Carolina who had no direct connection to the Cherokee. In 1859, geographer Arnold Guyot named the area after Clingman, a decision now criticized due to Guyot’s promotion of “scientific racism,” a prevalent belief during his time.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) led the push for the name change, pointing out that naming the mountain after Clingman was disrespectful, given the Cherokee’s historical connection to the land. The National Park Service has expressed its support for the change, acknowledging the significance of the area to the Cherokee and emphasizing a commitment to working with the tribe to preserve the landscape and its history.
The proposal to rename the summit was submitted in January by EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks, following efforts started in 2022 by EBCI members Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe.
Kuwohi remains one of the most popular attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attracting over 650,000 visitors annually. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River.
