sSrare Caro. Dewves,Cotenano to103 “Te eya66-207 ax 30y866-20) Janz Pouss Goranvon Mr. Trent Palmer US. BGN Executive Secretary, Domestic Names US Board of Geographic Names 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS-523 Reston, VA 20192 February 28,2023, Dear Mr. Palme, ‘On behalf ofthe State of Colorado I'm writing to cormmunicate my recommendations ‘concerning two matters pending before the United States Board of Geographic Names (USBGN): renaming Mount Evens, located in Clear Creek County; and renaming Negro Creek and Negro Mesa in Delta County. Attached are the fll summaries from the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB), ‘The process leading to and resulting in the CGNAB's recommendation to rename Mount Evans ‘to Mount Blue Sky was well developed including with abroad divesty of stakeholders, Tribal ‘consultation, local government buy-in and leadership, an significant public input, including feedback from living descendents of then Territorial Governor John Evans. Local buy-in and leadership isa critical element inthis process and both the Mt. Evans proposal ad the proposal ‘torename Negro Creek have ths element strongly in common. With specific respect tothe ‘renaming of Mt. Evans, itis worth underscoring the long-time and early expressed desire forthe renaming from Clear Creek County itself, drawing upon ther ow extensive consideration process, as wellas the support of Jefferson County and the City of Denver Parks Department ‘which operates recreational activites a the mountain ‘After decades of examination with respect to his role and exhaustive reports by both the University of Denver and Northwestern University, then Tertorial Governor Jobn Evans" culpability tacit or explicit for the Sand Creek Massacre is without question. In August of 2021, 1 {formally rescinded the bigoted, inhumane, and legally questionable proclamations made by then ‘Tervitorial Govemor Evans tat led to the Sand Creek Massacre the deadliest day in Colorado historySimply put, Governor Evans didn't just engage in warfare against Native Americans, but facilitated the senseless slaughter of non-combatants including large numbers of women, children, and the elderly by his proclamation and acknowledged initiative to fully eliminate enstem Colorado of any Native American presence and actions further empowering Colonel John CChivington. This initiate of Governor Evans ed tothe authorization ofthe 3rd Colorado Cavalry Regiment withthe stated purpose of making war on native peoples, and provided false security to native peoples wih the intent instead of increasing teritoral control. Without the 3rd Regiment, John Chivington could not have led te brutal atack at Sand Creek over the protest of several officers who knew the encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho were peacefil. By the end ofthe attack, hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho men, women, and children were mutilated and Killed. Colonel Chivington celebrated in Denver, parading the deceased bodies through the streets while Governor Evans prised and decorated Chivington and his men for their “valor in subduing the savages.” Subsequent military and congressional investigation, spurred by the brave accounts of seveal of Chivington’s men who objected tothe masacre, futher illuminated Evans’ role inthe event including efforts to cover it up, and led to his forced resignation. ‘Numerous other contemporary examinations ofthe atrocity and Evans’ role have further underscored his culpability. ‘That's not fo say that Colorado in any way is easing the complicated history of Territorial Governor John Evans. His role including as a founder ofboth the University of Denver and Northwestern Univers his roe in bringing the railroad to Denver forever changing the course ofthe city andthe state, his impact on the medical profession, and his opposition to slavery and close relationship to Abraham Lincoln in his early life in Illinois ae an important part of our history. However, as History Colorado has noted, he had a glaring bind-spot fr the rights and even the very humanity of Native Americans. This complicated history will continue to be studied, taught and debated in academia, our research and historical institutions and classrooms, and his name will undoubtedly continue to appear in many places inside and ouside of our state However, we only have 54 iconic “fourteeners” in our state, and each one deserves a name befitting their majesty. While we all grew up knowing th iconic Mount Evans itis clear that CColoradans want a nace that unites us rather than divides us and that we ean all be proud of. ‘Such a controversial, and for many painful, name for one of Colorado's most famous “14ers” ‘only diminishes is statly presence and breathtaking beauty ‘We need a name that pays homage tothe beauty that is this great mountain. The broadly recommended name, Mount Blue Sky, pays direct homage tothe Cheyenne and Arapsho peoples ‘and to our frequent suany weather and blue skies. As such, I coneur with Clear Creek County ‘and the board's recommendation thatthe USBGN rename Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky.In reparde tothe CGNAB'e recommendation to rename Negro Creek and Negro Mest it goss without question that these antiquated and offensive place-names must be changed, I applaud and endorse Delis County’s initiative in removing te derogatory terms from usage in reference to those geographic features - beginning before the Colorado naming board was even reconstituted, | thank Delta County for their efforts to further enlist the students of Cedaredge High School and the broader community to suecessfully come up with a name: Clay Creek and Ciay Mess. Their ‘work engaged the community inthe worthwhile exercise of changing these derogatory names. For new nares tobe accepted and used, local buy-in and participation is essential 1 applaud the efforts of Delta County, students, and the broader community in their efforts. It is my recommendation that Negro Creek and Negro Mesa be renamed Clay Creek and Clay Mesa, respectively, consistent with the good work and inclusive exercise of Delta Couaty and the students of Cedaredge High School ‘Thank you fr your attention to this matter, and your support in renaming geographic features reflective ofthe values of Coloradans Sincerely, eh Jared Polis Governoe