Renaming the American Landscape: The First, and Potentially Last, Migration at Loess Bluffs

Created in 1935 by an executive order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. The original name recognized a creek running through the grounds but the property was later renamed to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in January, 2017. The name change is due to the offense of the word 'squaw' within a contemporary context and part of a larger push to rename derogatory geographies across the American landscape. Local residents and the representative, Republican U.S. Congressman have met the federal name change with contention. Opponents have cited overreaches of federal power; claims to local heritage; and the necessity to resist 'political correctness'. Legislation has been filed to repeal the name change.