'Negrohead Mountain' in Malibu gets a more fitting name
February 24, 2009 | 7:28
am
Negrohead Mountain is an unlikely memorial to a former slave who made a name for himself at the western end of Los Angeles County.
More than 120 years ago, pioneers in the Santa Monica Mountains named the peak for John Ballard, the first black man to settle in the hills above Malibu.
Today, authorities will take the first step toward what they consider a more fitting tribute by renaming the 2,031-foot volcanic peak Ballard Mountain.
Read the rest of the story here.
-- Bob Pool
Photo: L.A. County officials are recommending that Negrohead Mountain be named Ballard Mountain, in honor of John Ballard, a pioneering black settler in Agoura. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times
Just another hidden black eye of US history. Why was the named changed in the first place?
Posted by: Al. Keith | February 24, 2009 at 08:03 AM
Very interesting story. I agree the name should be changed to honor this man.
Posted by: Sabrina Messenger | February 25, 2009 at 08:59 AM