August 19, 2022 3:30 a.m.

The Oregon Geographic Names Board will meet in Eugene this Saturday to consider proposals for naming or re-naming geographic features in five Oregon counties, including Douglas.

A release from the Oregon Historical Society said included on the agenda are four proposals to re-name geographic features that currently have the word “Negro” attached to them. These features include “Negro Ridge” and two separate “Negro Creeks” in Douglas County. The board will consider re-naming “Negro Knob” in Grant County, as well.

Also, on the agenda are proposals to rename a Wasco County summit currently known as “Chinaman Hat” and a Lane County peak known as “Swastika Mountain”. The proposals and the complete meeting agenda is linked: https://www.ohs.org/about-us/affiliates-and-partners/oregon-geographic-names-board/board-meetings-and-name-proposals.cfm

The release said geographic names have been documented and standardized in the United States since 1890 when President Benjamin Harrison established the United States Board on Geographic Names. The OGNB includes twenty-five volunteer members appointed by the executive director of the Oregon Historical Society, who serves as permanent secretary of the group.

The meeting will begin at 1:00 pm. in the Maple Room of the Inn at the 5th, on East 6th Avenue in Eugene.