The renaming caps an effort begun in 2022 by two enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Lavita Hill and Mary Crowe. Principal Chief Michell Hicks submitted the formal name-change application last January, including more than 150 pages of background materials and letters of support from local governments and others.

What was formerly known as Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, has now been restored to its traditional Cherokee name Kuwohi. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the change Sept. 18, the National Park Service announced.