Displaying items by tag: cherokee syllabary

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the formal name change of Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi, which means ‘mulberry place’ in Cherokee.  Simon Whitehurst/Great Smoky Mountains Association

Work already underway to replace signage related to peak named after Rebel general

Katie Liming is a public information officer at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GATLINBURG — The U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted Sept. 18 in favor of the formal request submitted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to change the name of Clingmans Dome (FID #1326387) to Kuwohi.

Kuwohi is the Cherokee name for the mountain and translates to “mulberry place.” In Cherokee syllabary, the name is ᎫᏬᎯ.  The National Park Service strongly supported the name restoration and applauds today’s decision, which also received support from local communities and governments. 

Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people and is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland. Kuwohi is visible from the Qualla Boundary, the home of the Eastern Band.  Efforts are already underway to update signage, website and other materials with the Kuwohi name.  

Clingmans Dome has always been known as Kuwohi to the Cherokee. The mountain became known as Clingmans Dome following an 1859 survey by geographer Arnold Guyot, named for Thomas Lanier Clingman, who was a lawyer, U.S. representative and senator from North Carolina, and Confederate brigadier general.