One of Colorado’s Highest Peaks Could Be Getting a Name Change
A dark moment in Colorado's history could result in the name of one of Colorado's highest peaks.
For more than 100 years, Colorado's fourteenth highest peak has carried the name of the state's second governor, John Evans. Now, there is a movement underway to rename the peak Mt. Cheyenne Arapaho.
The Evans uproar stems from the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 during Evans tenure in which a large number of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were killed and mutilated, including women and children.
An elementary teacher in Denver filed paperwork to have the name changed and hopes to have a response by the end of the year.
If the name of Mt. Evans does change, it wouldn't be the first name change in Colorado connected to the Sand Creek Massacre. Several years ago, the town of Longmont changed the name of Chivington Drive, named for Colonel John Chivington, the commander who carried out the attack.
Three years ago, Colorado State University renamed Pingree Park, which had been named for George Pingree, a government scout, and planner of the Sand Creek attack.
The anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre, November 29, is approaching so the timing of a possible name change is certainly appropriate. I can't imagine there being a single Colorado resident that would not view the events of that day as a very dark, dreadful, and regretful moment in Colorado's history.
I hope they do change the name of Mt. Evans. The Sand Creek Massacre is a despicable and detestable occurrence, and anyone associated with it should not be honored in any way.