Kuwohi name restored in the Smokies. Why does this matter

Located within the most visited national park and spanning two counties, two states and the Ancestral homelands of a tribal nation, Kuwohi stands as a symbol of resilience. For the Cherokee it means more than "mulberry place", it is a sacred place-the highest point within their traditional homeland and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which abuts their current boundary lands.

On September 18, 2024, the US Board of Geographic Names unanimously voted in favor of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians application to officially remove the name Clingmans Dome and restore its Ancestral name, Kuwohi. In 1859, 165 years ago, the peak was "renamed" after Thomas Clingman, an expelled U.S. senator and Confederate general, who passionately advocated for continued enslavement of black people. Now, this Cherokee cultural and historic place, known for its magic lakes, can once again honor its indigenous roots.

Now this Cherokee cultural and historic place known for its magic lakes can honor its indigenous roots.