Forsyth leaders, residents reject Rep. David Clark's proposal to rename Sawnee Mountain

Rep. David Clark announced on social media that he introduced a resolution to rename Sawnee Mountain in Forsyth County "Trump Mountain," prompting swift public opposition from county officials, elected leaders, and preservation advocates who said the proposal would erase Cherokee history and was launched without local input.

Forsyth County Manager David McKee issued a formal statement rejecting the move and stressing the county's commitment to the mountain's established name. “Forsyth County remains committed to the historical importance of the Sawnee name in our community and as the official name for one of our county’s most impactful natural resources. Forsyth County leadership was not included in any discussions regarding this resolution from Rep. Clark and would have opposed the motion had it been presented. We stand firm in preserving the legacy of the Cherokee tribe with the Sawnee name for the mountain range,” McKee said.

Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow, a lifelong resident, echoed local sentiment and said he was not consulted. “I’ve lived here my whole life. It’s been Sawnee Mountain my whole life,” Brumbalow said. “Sawnee Mountain needs to stay Sawnee Mountain.” He added that the move appeared politically motivated: “I think it’s somebody trying to get their name out there.”

Members of the McGruder family, credited with helping preserve the landmark, also opposed the proposal. Mary Helen McGruder recalled the family’s role in saving the site: “Whatever it took, we had to save Sawnee Mountain.” Her family donated 300 acres that helped establish Sawnee Mountain Preserve, which opened in 2005 and includes hiking trails and a visitor center.

The mountain itself is named for Sawnee, a Cherokee chief, and carries local lore that the chief’s spirit still protects the land. At its summit are natural rock formations known as the Indian Seats, and visitors prize sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and metro Atlanta. Those historical and cultural ties figured prominently in objections from local leaders.

State Rep. Brent Cox, whose district covers Cumming and parts of Forsyth and Hall counties and who has Cherokee ancestry, said the site should remain above partisan politics. “This mountain’s not Republican or Democrat. It’s our history. Let’s leave our history alone,” Cox said.

Clark, who represents Georgia’s 98th district and is running for lieutenant governor as one of 10 candidates, described former President Trump as “one of the most transformative Presidents in the nation’s history” in announcing the resolution. The announcement relied on Clark’s social media post; no formal bill text or resolution number has been publicly cited.

Conversations with state and local officials indicate the proposal lacks broad support in the Georgia state House and in Forsyth County, making a formal renaming unlikely. For now, county leadership has made clear it would have opposed any move to change the mountain’s name.

For Forsyth residents, the episode underscored the local value placed on Sawnee Mountain’s history and the expectation that changes to community landmarks include consultation with those who steward them. If Rep. Clark or other lawmakers file formal legislation, county officials and preservation advocates say they will continue to press for the mountain’s name and Cherokee legacy to be preserved.