Derogatory NJ Landmark Names Could See Changes Soon

NEW JERSEY - Federal officials are taking steps to remove over 660 geographic names with the word “squaw” in it, with at least two of those located in New Jersey, citing the name’s offensive nature against Native American women.

“Squaw” has been listed as a derogatory term by the U.S. Department of the Interior since November 2021 amid the creation of the Derogatory Geographic Names Task Force. The task force seeks to find replacement names on federal lands with the term with tribal consultation and public input on the proposed new names.

Two sites around the Garden State that have been flagged by the task force include the Squaw Brook in Passaic County and Burlington’s Squaw Lake.

But that’s without counting the roads, trails and even housing developments with “squaw” in it. There’s a Squaw Trail that runs through North Jersey’s Andover Township. Squaw Valley Court and Squaw Brook Road can be traversed in Vernon and North Haledon, respectively. Squaw Brook Run, a housing development, can also be found in North Haledon.

“Words matter, particularly in our work to make our nation’s public lands and waters accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. Consideration of these replacements is a big step forward in our efforts to remove derogatory terms whose expiration dates are long overdue,” said U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in a statement. “Throughout this process, broad engagement with Tribes, stakeholders and the general public will help us advance our goals of equity and inclusion.”

No word yet from Manasquan Borough officials if the municipality name will be included in the changes, or if the countless businesses in the area will also be considering a name change (Squan Tavern, Squan Animal Hospital and Squan Dry Goods, to name a few). There’s also a Squan Village housing complex in neighboring Wall Township.

Manasquan roughly translates to “stream of the island of squaw.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior is currently taking public comments and suggestions through April 25.