Denali Deserved A Name Change

President Obama will announce Monday that he is renaming a mountain — such is the life of POTUS. But Obama's earth-changing decision, which will be made during his upcoming three-day trip to Alaska, to rename the tall peaks is not a casual motion. The 20,237-foot Alaska mountain, which was known as Mount McKinley, will now bear the name "Denali," native Koyukon Athabascan for "The Great One" or "The Tall One." But you don't have to know the mountain's great height to recognize its majesty. There are several photos of Denali, now formerly known as Mount McKinley that show its new name makes sense.

Alaska residents love this mountain, and it's not hard to figure out why. The peaks can be seen far above the clouds, which makes for lots of those "Oh my God, why aren't I in the window seat" moments on a plane ride. But for those of us with feet on the ground, the views from below are just as good. They're so good, in fact, that the Denali Park & Preserve has a photography program, which allows for a photographer to gain a Professional Photographer Travel Permit and snap images from the Denali Park Road. And the images that result are breathtaking.

The Obama administration's choice to rename the mountain is also based on a good amount of historical background. Denali was the mountain's original name, but it was formally renamed after Republican President William McKinley in 1917. And by restoring the mountain's original name, Obama is answering a 40-year-old plea. A petition to ditch the McKinley namesake began in 1975, reported The New York Times, and there was a compromise of sorts in 1980, when the park was renamed Denali National Park and Preserve. So now, in the latter part of his second term, Obama is doing his part to make right an issue that is long overdue, in the opinion of many residents of Alaska.

Obama's visit to America's tallest mountain peak will not be without an environmental mission. ABC News reported that the trip will also include a "showcase [of the] melting glaciers" that are threatened by global warming. During his trip, Obama will also focus on speaking with Alaskan residents who have spoken out about receiving insufficient government aid as they survive harsh environmental conditions.

No matter his motivation, Obama is doing what Alaska has long awaited. And the state's beautiful mountain will once again have the name it deserves.

Images: Lance King/Getty Images (3)