By Frank Golden

Have you ever thought about how natural features get their names? Why do some features get named while others do not? Who gets to name them anyway? Let’s try to answer some of these questions with the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, and Why). And while we are at it, maybe we can talk a little bit of the How as well.

The Why

Let’s begin with the why. To put it simply, naming features helps people communicate. Imagine trying to tell someone where you live if Mesquite didn’t have a name or they never heard of Mesquite? How would you do it? Most people start with a known point and a vector (direction and distances). I say “I live 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.” Of course this only works if people know where Las Vegas is. Lucky for us, most people do. Maybe this is why I don’t say I live 40 miles southwest of St. George. People like going places. Having names tells people where you are going without a long drawn out description. So what do you if you are going out to Gold Butte National Monument (GBNM) but don’t know how to specifically say where in GBNM you are going to?

What if there are the same name for multiple places? Did you know there are at least 34 states with a town named Springfield? And, even more confusion can happen when the same place has multiple names. What if I said, “I am going to lead a hike to Hobgoblin’s Playground.” Some of you may wonder where I am talking about. But, if I said “Little Finland”, more of you will know exactly where I am referencing. The two are the same place by the way. So, the more precise your naming system is, the easier it is to relay the information to others and reduce the confusion.

The Who

That brings us to the who. The Board of Geographic Names (BGN) is a federal body created in 1890 that is responsible for approving names of natural features that are on public lands. It also maintains the list of the current official names.

How does the BGM choose names? They typically approve names submitted to them based on a very specific criteria. Most are the historically accepted names used by the general public. They tend to be the ones that are documented on historic maps and other publications. New names are chosen based on the endorsements from regional municipalities and organizations, and the popularity and support of the local population.

Where do these historic names come from? Almost all the names at GBNM come from the pioneers and miners of the late 1800s. Some are descriptive like Gold Butte. Yes, gold was discovered there. And, I can tell you from personal experience that Cat Claw Wash has hundreds of Cat Claw trees! Other names refer to families that lived near by, like the Whitneys (Whitney Pocket) and the Bonellis (Bonelli Peak). Someone starts a name and others begin using it. And, over time, it gains acceptance.

Sometimes names will change as new people arrive. Did you know Mesquite was once known as Mesquite Flats? As mentioned earlier, multiple names for the same feature can create confusion. These situations begin when multiple people or groups create and use new names independent of official recognition or procedures. The wide use of the internet has contributed to this issue.

The How

The BGM changes or modifies names under specific circumstances. One reason for changing names is if the original name uses a derogatory term. Many names that are racially/culturally insulting, or mentioning objectionable body parts have recently been renamed. The pioneers of old were a colorful bunch and a product of their times. As times change, so do our attitudes and morals. A relatively new movement that has gained popularity is the naming of features with the original names given by the Native peoples. Some examples of this is the renaming of Mount McKinley to Denali, and the naming of one of our new national monuments Avi Kwa Ame, which is the Mohave name for Spirit Mountain and its surrounding area.

When does the BGN publish their updated lists? Every two weeks. Anyone can submit applications for new names but there are many guidelines that must be met. They include a justified need, historic context, concurrence by all involved agencies and municipalities to name a few. Furthermore, proposals to name it after a person are considered only if the honoree has been deceased for at least five years.

What Friends of Gold Butte is Doing

What is the Friends of Gold Butte (FoGB) doing? As more activities take place at GBNM, it becomes important that the names we use are accepted and formalized. This helps in giving directions, and talking about specific places. It is especially critical for emergency services trying to find people who need assistance. It becomes necessary to officially recognize new names so everyone uses the same name and it is clearly understood what it stands for. The first step is to identify existing names both official and informal.

Members from FoGB are helping the BLM create a database of all historic and currently named features found in published sources. As needs arise, these forgotten or new names can be submitted to the BGN for official recognition and inclusion. Once approved, US Government maps will note the new names. Currently, over 220 names of geographic features were identified and added to the working database.

On a side note, two-thirds of the names are in the southern half of the monument. This is because there was twice as much human activity in the southern half of the Gold Butte area versus the north. Much of the commerce and traffic originating from the mining sites went west to St. Thomas or south across the Colorado River. Relatively little traffic occurred between Mesquite and Gold Butte. With the majority of our current activities taking place in the northern half of GBNM, I can understand the urgency to formally name many of the places we explore.