A Chinese-American organization has asked the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to change Chinaman's Arch in Utah to Chinese Arch.
The limestone rock formation at Golden Spike National Historic Site presumably got its name from the thousands of Chinese laborers who laid track for the Central Pacific Railroad. The historic site marks the spot where the CP and Union Pacific met, creating the first transcontinental line.
Jenny Wang, chair of the Utah Organization of Chinese Americans, told the Salt Lake City Tribune that the term chinaman is offensive. She believes that the change would honor the contribution of the men who built the railroad and later worked to maintain it.
An executive with the board said that applications to change offensive place names are encouraged and usually acted on quickly if no one opposes the shift. He said the group has no stake in what names are used but wants them consistent for public safety reasons.
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