After a formal request and a vote, Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will officially be known as Kuwohi.
One of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most popular sites is going back to its roots, according to a press release by the National Parks Service.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) members Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe started the effort in 2022 and a proposal was submitted in January 2024 by EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks. The U.S. Board of Geographic Names approved the name change from Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi after a vote on September 18, 2024.
Read More: Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!)
About Kuwohi
Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the observation tower on the North Carolina side belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
The mountain became known as Clingmans Dome after an 1859 survey by geographer Arnold Guyot. The mountain was named for Thomas Lanier Clingman who was a lawyer, U.S. Representative and Senator from North Carolina, and Confederate Brigadier General.
“Always Been Known as Kuwohi to the Cherokee People”
Kuwohi is the Cherokee name for the mountain, translating to “mulberry place.” In writing according to the Cherokee syllabary, the name is ᎫᏬᎯ.
Clingmans Dome has always been known as Kuwohi to the Cherokee People. Its Cherokee name translates to “mulberry place.” In writing, (following the Cherokee syllabary), the name is ᎫᏬᎯ.
Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people. The mountain is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland and is visible from the Qualla Boundary, the home of the EBCI.
Read More: Visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People (13,000 Years of History in One Important Space)
NPS Supported the Clingmans Dome Name Change
The National Parks Service supported the name change and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash chimed in, saying:
“The Cherokee People have had strong connections to Kuwohi and the surrounding area, long before the land became a national park. The National Park Service looks forward to continuing to work with the Cherokee People to share their story and preserve this landscape together.”
More Things to Do Near Kuwohi
If you’re looking to visit Kuwohi, we highly recommend you check out its surroundings. We’ve written about many of them in these NC travel guides.
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