Do You Think One of New Hampshire’s Most Popular Attractions Should Change Its Name?

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are a hot tourist destination, especially in peak hiking season.

People travel from far and wide to soak in our gorgeous mountain ranges and peep the vibrant leaves that are undoubtedly the best in the country.

The most recognizable mountain in the presidential range is Mount Washington.

Most people have at least heard of it, and are familiar with its treacherous conditions and wild weather patterns. Sources say the 6,288-foot summit attracts over 400,000 people a year!

But Mount Washington wasn't always called Mount Washington.

According to change.org, before 1874, there were various names given to the mountain by the indigenous people of the area (Agiocochook, Waumbik, and Kodaak Wadjo, just to name a few).

Like so many landmarks in our nation, this area was reclaimed by colonists. Some believe the mountain should be renamed to one of the original names out of respect to the indigenous people of New Hampshire.

Mount Agiocochook is the top contender.

Some are not on board with the name change.

According to The Conway Daily Sun, eight commissioners for the state and the executive director of the N.H. Fish and Game Department drafted letters of opposition.

The commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs wrote in his letter that:

“Changing the name of Mount Washington would be detrimental to the tourism value and overall identity of this iconic landmark.”

New Hampshire Fish and Game raised safety concerns. The director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Emergency Services and Communication said that a name change:

“could prevent or significantly delay the provisioning of emergency services because of potential confusion, lack of familiarity, or pronunciation during stressful, life-safety situations.”

This name change would not just impact the mountain itself. Mount Washington is also the name of the auto road leading up to the summit, the meteorological observatory, a commercial motor vessel on Lake Winnipesaukee, and the well-known hotel.

Are you in favor of changing the name? Why or why not?