Tributary naming project gets local government support

RIVERSIDE — A 4-H group’s efforts to name a tributary to the English River are moving forward, with backing from the Riverside City Council and Washington County Board of Supervisors secured in writing this week.

Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner Kate Giannini said the roughly 2.5-mile stream — which runs along the eastern edge of town, near the elementary school and under Highway 22 — had no current moniker, but that the Riverside Enterprisers 4-H Club were campaigning to name it “Lincoln Gate Creek.”

The process involves an application to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, where Giannini hoped letters of support from local governments nearby would help win its approval.

“I have started the process to fill out an application to the U.S. Board of names, and they are also recommending that we have a letter of support,” Giannini said at a board of supervisors meeting Tuesday morning, the day after Riverside’s council agreed to sign a support letter of its own.

The name is a nod to the Riverside area’s historical importance to the local timber industry, and to former President Abraham Lincoln’s nickname as the “Rail Candidate” for his impressive ability to split wooden fence rails.

The naming campaign presents Riverside’s 4-H group “an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, promote environmental stewardship, and establish a meaningful landmark that enhances public safety and awareness,” according to the letter of support signed by Board of Supervisors Chair Richard Young on Tuesday. “The Washington County Board of Supervisors firmly believes that naming the creek Lincoln Gate Creek will strengthen our community’s identity while fostering a sense of pride and connection among our residents.”

The application was a long time coming. Those involved started brainstorming names in March, after a well-attended presentation from area historian Michael Zahs. By June, 4-H’ers had narrowed the list down to to three popular contenders.

Once submitted to federal officials, the approval process is expected to take two to three years. Until then, Riverside residents will wait in anticipation.

“I can tell you a lot of people are pretty amped up about if we pick a bad name or a good name,” Riverside Enterprisers 4-H Club President Calvin Meller said in June. “I think a lot of people are excited.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com