Should Mount Rainier Be Renamed Tahoma?
Should Mount Rainier Be Renamed Tahoma?
Mount Rainier is a giant, beautiful mountain in Washington State. For many years, people have called it Mount Rainier. But some people think it should have a different name: Tahoma. This is what many Native American tribes called the mountain for thousands of years. Should we change the name? This is a big question with strong feelings on both sides.
Why Tahoma?
The name "Tahoma" has a long history. It comes from the Native American tribes who lived near the mountain long before settlers arrived. These tribes, like the Puyallup, Nisqually, and Yakama, saw Tahoma as a sacred place. The name often means "mother of waters" or something similar, because the mountain's snow and glaciers feed many rivers. Using the name Tahoma would be a way to honor these tribes and their history.
Why Mount Rainier?
So, why is it called Mount Rainier now? It was named after Rear Admiral Peter Rainier by his friend George Vancouver in the late 1700s. Rainier never even saw the mountain! Some people argue that keeping the name Mount Rainier honors exploration and history, too. They might say that changing the name would erase a part of history.
A Sign of Respect
- Glaciers:
- Large masses of ice that move slowly over land.
- Sacred:
- Holy or deserving great respect.
- Settlers:
- People who move to a new area to live.
- exploration:
- The act of traveling to unknown or new places to learn about them.
- acknowledge:
- To accept or notice that something exists, is true, or is important.
- culture:
- The habits, beliefs, and traditions shared by a group of people.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is Mount Rainier?
- 2What does the name Tahoma mean?
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About this opinion / argumentative passage for Upper Elementary
“Should Mount Rainier Be Renamed Tahoma?” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Cultural Heritage, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (331 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.