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Md. Archivist Ready To Explore Negro Mountain

 

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland state archivist says he's ready to delve into the history of Negro Mountain.

 

The Cumberland Times-News reported Thursday that Edward Papenfuse says he's awaiting word from legislative leaders about the scope of a proposed work group that would study geographic landmark naming proposals.

 

House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Mike Miller proposed the group in March amid debate over a failed bill to rename Negro Mountain in western Maryland. The moniker supposedly honors a black frontiersman who died there during the French and Indian War. Some say it is offensive.

 

The work group would consider naming proposals for historical context and appropriateness.

 

Papenfuse says he's ready to take on the project once he's told what questions the legislative leaders want answered.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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