Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Supported by

Nevada Panel Reviewing Name Change For Jeff Davis Peak ​

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A remote mountain peak in Nevada's Great Basin National Park is getting more attention since deadly race-based violence in Virginia last month sparked new calls for removal of Confederate monuments.

The state Board of Geographic Names is reviewing a pair of proposals to re-designate the peak named after Confederate leader Jefferson Davis.

A federal panel with the final say already is researching one proposing to instead honor Robert Smalls — an escaped slave from South Carolina who fought for the Union army and served in Congress.

Sponsor Message

The second idea submitted to the state board anonymously doesn't formally propose a replacement name for Jeff Davis Peak.

Executive secretary Christine Johnson says it suggests a variety of alternatives including late Las Vegas civil rights James McMillan and several Western Shoshone phrases. She says the board will discuss the ideas Sept. 19.