Squaw Island: Time to Change the Name

From Nov. 23, 2014, Buffalo (NY) Rising by Bennett Collins.

Located in Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood, Squaw Island in the Niagara River is home to several parks and the Bird island Pier.

It was a significant historical site for the Underground Railroad and a battle site during the War of 1812.

I have come across the name Black Rock in connection to the war, but don't remember a battle taking place there.

It was named that by men of LaSalle's expedition in 1679.  It was also the site of the beaching and burning of the British warship HMS Detroit during the war.

However, the name has to do with the "dark history" of U.S. and Indians.  But, it is a slam against Native women.

Of course, this also has to do with the current battle with the name Washington Redskins and the like.

--Brock-Perry