Offensive Town Names to Be Changed
Under a new state law, more than three dozen South Dakota towns will be renamed to remove the words “Squaw” or “Negro” because the words are offensive.
Among the place names deemed by the bill to be “offensive and insulting to all of South Dakota’s people, history, and heritage,” were Squaw Lake, to be renamed Serenity Lake, and Negro Gulch, to be renamed Last Chance Gulch.
Among the examples listed by the bill, the town of Squaw Teat Creek will be renamed East Rattlesnake Creek, and Negro Creek will become Medicine Mountain Creek. A total of 39 towns will be renamed.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
