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South Dakota Board Says Harney Peak Should Not Be Renamed

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names is recommending that Harney Peak in the Black Hills National Forest should not be renamed.

The board voted on Monday for its final recommendation not to change the summit’s name.

The board had made a preliminary recommendation in May to change the name to “Hinhan Kaga (Making of Owls).”

But the board reversed its initial recommendation Monday after more public input. The recommendation not to change the name goes to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

The peak is the highest summit in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains.

It was named for Army Gen. William S. Harney, who in 1855 led soldiers who killed Sioux Indians in Nebraska. Some consider the current name offensive to American Indians.