"An Oklahoma group wants to change the name of Custer State Park because naming the area for George Armstrong Custer is offensive to American Indians. United Native America suggested changing the park's name to Crazy Horse State Park, in honor of the Sioux warrior.

Custer State Park is managed by the state Game, Fish and Parks Department as a recreation area and wildlife preserve, not as a monument to the memory of George Armstrong Custer. About the only reference to Custer that visitors will see is on the entrance sign.

The Legislature in 2001 changed the names of dozens of locations because they were offensive (for example, Squaw Creek in Lawrence County is now Cleopatra Creek). Custer admittedly was a flawed military leader, but that's not enough reason to expunge his name from signs and maps. Advocates of changing the name of Custer State Park have to convince a majority of South Dakotans that the name itself is irredeemably offensive."

Get the Story:
Journal editorial, 2-3: No reason for name change (The Rapid City Journal 2/3)

Relevant Links:
United Native America - http://www.unitednativeamerica.com

Related Stories:
Native group wants Custer State Park renamed (01/19)