President Obama has decided to restore Mt. McKinley to its native name, Denali. The Alaska mountain is the USA's highest at about 20,237 feet (6,170 meters) above mean sea level. The State of Alaska requested this name change about 40 years ago and a dispute has existed since then.
The name change has caused consternation among some, especially Ohio natives and the Ohio Congressional delegation in particular. President William McKinley, in whose honor the mountain was officially renamed in 1917 (unofficially in 1896), is a native son of Ohio. The original unofficial naming was apparently somewhat of a joke.
So what's the solution? If Ohio thinks so much of President William McKinley, why not name its highest peak after him, not Alaska's? And what is Ohio's highest 'peak'? It's Campbell Hill, which towers 1,549 feet (472 meters) above mean sea level in north-central Ohio, north of Columbus in Bellefontaine.
So is this a big letdown after Mt. McKinley in Alaska? Just look at some views of the new Mt. McKinley in Ohio:
View more here. Awesome!
Turns out the 'summit' of the new Mt. McKinley os on private property. But Ohio would not be claiming the property itself - just the naming rights. If the Campbells complain, I'm sure some accommodation can be reached.
The new Mt. McKinley may not be as impressive as the Alaska mountain, but it will be a true 'people's mountain' since so many will be able to access it. Think of the tourism aspect! And it's only a few hours from Indiana's highest point.
Problem solved!
"You love to bash your city or state — but get really defensive when other people do it. Ohio might be like a drunk uncle, but it’s your drunk uncle, goddamn it." - Ohio saying
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