Pa., Md. lawmakers want ‘Negro Mountain’ renamed

A Philadelphia lawmaker is teaming up with one of her Maryland colleagues to lobby for the renaming of an Appalachian peak called “Negro Mountain” that sits on the line between the two states.

The name of the 30-mile ridge in the Alleghenies honors a slave named Nemesis who died there in 1756 fighting in the French and Indian War.

State Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Phila., tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that the name should honor the man, not his skin color.

State Sen. Lisa Gladden, D-Baltimore, has also tried to have the peak renamed. Both say their colleagues have been unreceptive.

Youngblood says she hadn’t known about Gladden’s efforts, and the two lawmakers are now talking about having a joint event, perhaps in Harrisburg or on top of the mountain.