Howard Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howard Lake |
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 Howard Lake
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Chelan County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 48°23′19″N 120°50′00″W / 48.3886007°N 120.8334497°W |
| Type | lake |
| Surface area | 15 acres (0.061 km2) |
Howard Lake is a beautiful 15-acre lake in Washington State. It is located in the Stehekin River Valley, within the amazing Cascade Mountain Range. This lake, along with its 3-mile stream, Howard Creek, is part of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This area is also connected to the North Cascades National Park Complex and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. Howard Lake is found at Latitude +48.3886007 and Longitude -120.8334497.
The Story Behind the Name
Howard Lake and Howard Creek are named after a man named Wilson Howard. He was a black prospector who searched for gold. Wilson Howard lived by the lake around 1891 and 1892. He was one of only two Black miners in the North Cascades during that time.
An Offensive Old Name
After 1900, some local people in the Stehekin Valley started calling the lake "Coon Lake." This was a very offensive and hurtful name aimed at Mr. Howard. The lake and creek kept this disrespectful name for many years.
Changing the Name Back
In 2007, Washington State decided to change the names back. They officially renamed them "Howard Lake" and "Howard Creek." However, the U.S. government, which manages the area, did not agree at first. For several years, state maps showed the "Howard" name. But federal maps and park signs still used the old, offensive name.
A Community Effort
In 2015, many citizens and elected officials worked together. They pushed for the federal government to change the name. Thanks to their hard work, the U.S. government finally agreed. They dropped the offensive "Coon" name and officially adopted "Howard Lake" and "Howard Creek." This was an important step to honor Wilson Howard and correct a historical wrong.
