The Naming Fight Over Denali: Whose Name Stands Tallest?

The towering peak in Alaska that we know as Denali—or Mount McKinley, depending on whom you ask—has long been at the center of a naming debate. This 20,310-foot mountain, the tallest in North America, is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a symbol of culture, history, and identity. But who should have the final say in what it’s called?

The History Behind the Names

The indigenous Koyukon Athabaskan people have referred to the mountain as Denali—meaning “The High One”—for thousands of years, long before outsiders set foot on the Alaskan landscape. To them, Denali is not just a peak but a sacred part of their heritage, integral to their cultural identity.

In 1896, a gold prospector named William Dickey dubbed it "Mount McKinley" in honor of then-presidential candidate William McKinley. McKinley, hailing from Ohio, later became the 25th president of the United States but never visited Alaska, let alone its iconic mountain. Following his assassination in 1901, the name was formally recognized as Mount McKinley to honor his legacy.

Fast forward to the 1970s, when a movement began in Alaska to officially restore the name Denali. Alaskans, including the state legislature, overwhelmingly supported the change, viewing it as a reclamation of indigenous history. However, congressional resistance, primarily from Ohio lawmakers wanting to preserve McKinley’s legacy, stymied efforts for decades.

In 2015, President Barack Obama’s administration ordered the mountain to officially be renamed Denali, aligning with the wishes of Alaska’s residents and honoring the indigenous history tied to the peak. But now, former President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to reverse that decision, sparking renewed controversy.

State vs. Federal Control: A Question of Principles

One of the central points of contention in this debate is the principle of state versus federal control. Trump, who has often championed the idea of giving more power to the states, appears to contradict his own philosophy by seeking to override Alaska’s decision to call the mountain Denali. Alaska’s legislature and people have clearly voiced their preference, aligning with the indigenous name that predates American claims to the land. Shouldn’t their choice carry the most weight?

On the other hand, Trump’s supporters argue that renaming the mountain back to McKinley would honor a past president who was tragically assassinated. It’s true that many places across the country are named after historical figures who never set foot there, and this tradition has rarely been questioned until recent years. But why insist on preserving McKinley’s name in a state where he had no direct connection and against the will of its people?

The Broader Context: Indigenous Recognition vs. Historical Legacy

The debate over Denali isn’t just about one mountain—it’s emblematic of a broader cultural reckoning. Across the United States, there has been a push to recognize indigenous cultures and their history, which have long been marginalized in favor of Euro-American narratives. Restoring the name Denali is part of this movement, a step toward respecting the people who lived on and cherished this land for millennia.

However, some argue that renaming landmarks erases history. Supporters of the McKinley name might see it as a way to preserve a piece of American history, even if McKinley himself had no direct ties to the mountain or Alaska.

A Middle Ground: Joint Naming?

Could a compromise satisfy both sides? Joint naming—Denali-McKinley—has been floated as a potential solution. It would honor both the indigenous heritage and McKinley’s legacy, though critics on both sides might view it as a half-measure that fails to fully respect either perspective. Still, dual naming systems have worked in other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, where indigenous and colonial names are often used interchangeably.

Why Is Trump Doing This?

Trump’s motivations for reopening this debate are worth examining. Is it a sincere effort to honor McKinley, or a politically calculated move to appeal to certain constituencies? Ohio, McKinley’s home state, is a key swing state in presidential elections. Reviving the McKinley name could be seen as an attempt to curry favor with Ohio voters, though it risks alienating Alaskans and indigenous communities.

So, Who Is Right?

The answer depends on what values we prioritize. If we value indigenous history and cultural recognition, Denali is the clear choice. If we emphasize preserving historical legacies tied to American leaders, McKinley might seem fitting. But if we strive for inclusivity and compromise, a dual name could be the answer.

Ultimately, this debate reflects deeper questions about identity, history, and whose stories we choose to elevate. Denali’s majesty will endure regardless of what it’s called—but the name we give it speaks volumes about the kind of society we want to be.