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166. Examples of Geographic Name Information 



For the guidance of the hydrographer, the following examples illustrate the type 

 of information which should be contained in the special report on geographic names 

 required in 163: 



arrowhead point — A descriptive name, in undisputed local usage. An official signpost, erected by the State highway 

 department, bears this name and identifies the point. The name is derived from the shape of the point which resembles an arrowhead. 



ATSENA OTIE (KEY)— In undisputed local usage. The name has appeared on various maps and surveys in the following 

 varied forms: Atsenaotie, Atseniota Key, Ate Senotia, Otcena Otee, Atcena Otie. The name is so well known locally that local resi- 

 dents never realized there was any doubt about the spelling. It appears, spelled as above, on the local county tax rolls, first in 1874. 

 A local newspaper, The Cedar Key Commercial, in September 1891, contained this statement: "Ferry boat Col. Cottrell will make 

 regular trips between the island and Atsena Otie." A local resident possesses a picture post card, showing the pencil mill on the 

 key in 1889, which contains this spelling. 



At one time there were perhaps 1,000 people living on the key, but at present it is completely deserted. 



According to local information the name is of Indian origin and the "Otie" may mean island or key. Locally the key is generally 

 referred to simply as "Atsena Otie," without any additional generic term. The addition of the term Key is recommended, however, 

 since its topography resembles other keys in the vicinity. 



The present charted name of Depot Key is unknown locally. 



BISHOP'S POINT— In undisputed local usage. The point was named after an early settler, now deceased. No local usage 

 could be found for the name Wry Key, appearing on T-423 (1852-4), nor for Rye Key, appearing on the United States Land Ofltice map, 

 approved by the Surveyor-General in 1851. The name Bishop Point is recommended. 



CROSS MOUNTAIN— A 4,000-foot peak near the north shore of the inner end of Silver Bay. The name is in undisputed local 

 usage and is derived from the fact that snow, collected in deep ravines high up near the summit, appears as a large foreshortened cross. 

 This snow cross is plainly visible practically all summer. Attention is directed to the fact that this name. Cross Mountain, is errone- 

 ously applied to an adjacent mountain on the charts of the area. 



HODGES ISLAND— In undisputed local usage. Several generations of the Hodges family have lived and are buried on the 

 island. Note that the final "s" is a part of the family name and not a possessive. One local resident states that the island was at one 

 time known as Hickory Island. 



MILL COVE— In undisputed local usage. The name is derived from an old tide mill which operated in this cove. Some maps 

 show this name applied erroneously to another cove, but, according to all local residents consulted, it is correctly applied on T-4873 

 (1934). 



MILL POND— In undisputed local usage. Histories state that "Here stood the corn mill and saw mill, erected probably in 

 1643 or 1644." Although this common name is used to excess throughout the country, its retention for this feature is nevertheless jus- 

 tified and recommended. 



MT. HOPE — A charted name. No local resident could be found who was familiar with this name, nor is there apparently any 

 local name for the feature. Because of the insignificance of the feature, the deletion of the name is recommended. 



PATCH'S POND — A local name verified by three persons living in the vicinity and by the town engineer. The name is derived 

 from the Patch Ice Company, which cut ice on the pond for many years. This pond is erroneously named Echo Lake on some maps. 

 An earlier name was Flat Ledge Pond from the flat rocky ledge projecting from the shore out into the center of the pond. 



SQUAW ROCK — A descriptive name, in undisputed local usage. It applies to a rock overhanging the shoreline and is derived 

 from the fact that the rock resembles an Indian squaw. 



WHITE MAN'S POINT— The Indian name for this point is unpronounceable and the spelling of the Indian name could not be 

 ascertained. It is well established, however, that the translation of the Indian name is as given above. The name is no doubt derived 

 from the fact that John Muir and his party camped on this point in the summer of 1890. 



167. United States Board on Geographical Names 



The United States Board on Geographical Names was established by Executive 

 order in 1890 (as the U. S. Geographic Board) to establish uniform usage throughout 

 the Federal Government as to geographic nomenclature and orthography, particu- 

 larly on federal maps and charts, and to decide unsettled questions concerning geo- 

 graphic names. Through several Executive orders the duties and authority of the 

 Board have been changed, expanded, and more clearly defined, but essentially they are 

 as originally defined. 



The jurisdiction of the Board includes practically all disagreements concerning 

 geographic names in which federal publications are involved. Its duties include deci- 

 sions in cases of disputed geographic nomenclature, and in disputed spellings and appli- 

 cations of geograpliic names; the determination, change, and fixing of place names with- 

 in the United States and its insular possessions; and the review of all newly assigned 

 geographic names hereafter suggested for use m federal publications. 



The decisions of the Board relative to geographic names are final so far as the 

 Federal Government is concerned and are to be accepted as the standard authority. 



