MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — For more than two decades, Smithfield Township has been trying to rename Sambo Creek and Little Sambo Creek.
"It's been in existence for hundreds of years. It's been on very old maps that you can find in the county archives and elsewhere. Unfortunately, it really was the replacement for a more racist name," said Township Supervisor Jacob Pride.
The creeks run through Smithfield Township, Middle Smithfield Township, Stroud Township, and the borough of East Stroudsburg. According to Pride, all municipalities must agree to change both names, which they are prepared to do.
"The proposed new name is Paemasing Creek and White Tail Creek for what is known as the Little Sambo, and that honors, of course, white-tailed deer which are prevalent in the Poconos, and Paemasing is to honor an actual Native American chief," said Pride.
He says there are many stories about the creeks and their history.
"We hear all this conjecture about a Native American princess and perhaps slave ancestors or others that lived along the creek and came up with this story, but that's not based in any historical record, and we think now is the time to have something that honors the community, honors actual Native Americans," said Pride.
If you have comments or concerns about the name changes, please contact Smithfield Township Conservation & Recreation Director Alexander Jackson at alex@smithfieldtownship.com.
A formal name change application will be submitted to The United States Geological Survey at the end of next week.