In the wake of President Donald Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is proposing a similar change for Lake Erie. David Maloney is advocating for Lake Erie to be renamed Lake Pennsylvania to reflect what he calls its “modern identity.” Maloney is preparing a resolution to present to the U.S. House of Representatives, urging government officials to approve the name change.
Highlighting the significance of fishing and tourism in the region, Maloney stated that Pennsylvania has only one Great Lake and should stake its claim on it. He emphasized the impact of the watercourse on transportation and local economies. Despite the historical and cultural importance associated with the name Lake Erie, Maloney believes that Pennsylvania deserves recognition through the renaming.
While the proposal has stirred discussions, officials in Ontario and other regions have refrained from commenting on the matter. Maloney pointed out that neighboring states like Ohio and New York have ample shoreline and multiple Great Lakes, while Canada boasts four other Great Lakes. Michigan is the only other U.S. state that shares a border with Lake Erie, reinforcing Maloney’s argument for the name change.
Ken Drouillard, a professor at the University of Windsor specializing in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, expressed concern over the trend of renaming historically significant places. Drouillard emphasized that names are more than just labels on a map; they connect people to the land’s history and heritage. Renaming Lake Erie would sever the ties to its Indigenous roots and the pivotal role it played in the westward expansion of the U.S. Midwest.
The proposed renaming of Lake Erie has sparked debates about preserving historical and cultural legacies associated with the Great Lakes. The name Erie itself stems from an Indigenous word meaning “long tail,” underscoring the deep historical context of the region. As discussions continue, the potential renaming of Lake Erie raises questions about the broader implications on regional heritage and identity.