Concord Trivia: Where Did 'Mount Diablo' Get Its Name?

Have you ever wondered why such a beautiful mountain would be named after the "devil"?

According to the Concord Historical Society, the naming of Mount Diablo began at a time when a small tribelet of Chupcan Indians inhabited the valley. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1700s and the soldiers nicknamed the area "Monte del Diablo." The term "monte" described the dense thicket of willows at the north end of the valley, which soldiers believed was possessed by evil, devilish Indian spirits, hence the name, “Monte del Diablo” — thicket of the devil. Monte was later misinterpreted by English speakers as "mount" or "mountain," explains Save Mount Diablo, and the name "Mount Diablo" became commonplace.

An unsuccessful petition to rename the mountain was launched in 2005 and again a few years later by an Oakley man who claimed that the name was offensive to Christians. He wanted to rename the mountain for former President Ronald Reagan, but also suggested Mount Yahweh, Mount Miwok or Mount Ohlone. 

What do you think of the name "Mount Diablo"? Should it have been changed? What would be a better name? Share your thoughts in the comments below.