Debate Over the Name of Wyoming’s Devils Tower Continues

The name of Wyoming’s Devils Tower, designated as America’s first National Monument in 1906, has sparked debate for over a century, KGAB AM 650 reports.

The controversy centers around whether the name stemmed from a misunderstanding or was deliberately altered, as well as the ongoing efforts to honor the site’s Native American heritage.

The name “Devils Tower” is believed to have originated from an interpreter’s misinterpretation of the area’s Native American name. The original translation, “Bad Gods Tower,” evolved into the current moniker. According to the National Park Service, some suggest that the lack of a possessive apostrophe in “Devils Tower” was a grammatical mistake, though historians argue it was likely an intentional decision.

The US Board on Geographic Names (BGN), established in 1890, has historically avoided using possessive names for places. However, the name “Devils Tower” stuck despite objections from Native American communities, who have long preferred the name “Bear Lodge,” which holds cultural and historical significance.

In 2014, a petition was launched to officially change the name from “Devils Tower” to “Bear Lodge.” However, the BGN’s policies require legislative approval for name changes, making the process complex. Over the past decade, bills have also been introduced to preserve the name “Devils Tower,” further fueling the debate.

The decision to rename the monument ultimately lies with the Secretary of the Interior or the President of the United States. Both sides of the argument have strong advocates, reflecting differing perspectives on honoring historical accuracy versus preserving established nomenclature.

Beyond the naming controversy, Devils Tower is steeped in Native American mythology and cultural significance. Various tribes share stories about its formation, lending further importance to the name “Bear Lodge.”