K’esugi Ridge

USGS Listed Name: K’esugi Ridge

The 30-mile ridge in Denali State Park from which this view was painted was unnamed* on maps until 2002. Then, a proposal submitted by local experts was accepted by the US Board of Geographic Names and the feature was officially recognized as K’esugi, Dena’ina for “the ancient one.” 

At the time of naming, apostrophes were discouraged from “official” place names, but this one is an essential part of the Dena’ina language. According to linguists, the k’ symbol represents a different sound, and omitting the apostrophe changes the meaning of the word. 

*Of course, just because a name wasn’t “officially” recognized doesn’t mean the feature didn’t have a name. This region has been stewarded by Dena’ina and Ahtna people for millennia, and it had likely been referred to as many things over it’s lifetime.

Autumn Arc | 11x14”| watercolor and gouache on paper | 2022