No, Pisgah is not an Indian name.
Mount Pisgah received its current name from early European settlers. This name is derived from the mountain that Moses ascended in the Bible.
While the European settlers named it Pisgah, the nearby Cherokee tribe had their own name for the majestic peak. They referred to the mountain as Elseetoss.
Origin of the Name "Pisgah"
The name "Pisgah" is rooted in biblical history, not indigenous languages.
- Biblical Connection: The name refers to Mount Pisgah in the Bible, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land.
- European Settler Influence: Early European settlers in the region adopted this biblical name for the mountain.
Contrasting Names
To clarify the origins of the names associated with the mountain, consider the following:
| Name | Origin | Given By |
|---|---|---|
| Pisgah | Biblical | Early European Settlers |
| Elseetoss | Indigenous Cherokee | Cherokee Tribe |
This distinction highlights that while the mountain has a name of Native American origin (Elseetoss), the name "Pisgah" itself is a European, biblically-inspired designation. In 1897, a significant portion of the land, including Mount Pisgah, was purchased by George Washington Vanderbilt.
