The body of water conventionally known as Lake Ontario was officially renamed “Lake America” by former President Trump through an executive order, a move that has prompted both support and opposition and has led to broader conversations about the importance and changing nature of place names.
The renaming has drawn attention for several reasons, including the irony of individuals who previously advocated for changing historical names based on contemporary ideologies now supporting such a change for political reasons. It also highlights a perceived inconsistency in how historical names and monuments are treated.
Historically, place names have held significance, with instances like the Arkansas state law mandating a specific pronunciation of its name, passed in 1881. However, in recent years, the practice of renaming places and altering historical markers has become more pronounced, driven by evolving political and social movements.
In Toronto, for example, Dundas Square was recently renamed Sankofa Square, and Woodsy Park became Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Park. These changes, along with others, reflect a broader trend of re-evaluating and altering traditional place names.
Former President Trump’s renaming of Lake Ontario follows a similar action last year when he renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. This pattern suggests a potential future where natural features could be renamed with variations of "America."
George R. Stewart, in his study "Names on the Land," noted how Americans have inherited and enriched place names over generations. Lake Ontario itself is part of this heritage, having been designated in the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua between the U.S. government and the Six Nations of Indians.
Place names in the United States often reflect a diverse and sometimes unconventional history, including names like Climax, Georgia; Beaverlick, Kentucky; and Intercourse, Pennsylvania. These names, while perhaps unusual, represent a tangible connection to the nation's past.
The current trend in renaming places is attributed by some to an egoism common in contemporary times, where the present generation may disregard the legacy bequeathed by those who came before. The author advocates for respecting the names passed down through history, suggesting that new ambitions, such as space exploration, might offer alternative outlets for those compelled to rename places.
