Applaud MapQuest for Standing Against Trump's 'Lake America'

MapQuest is making its position on the name of Lake Ontario impossible to miss. After deciding to keep “Lake Ontario” on its maps following President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to use “Lake America,” the company has now put up a six-foot billboard in downtown Chicago pointing travelers toward Lake Ontario.

Located at State and Hubbard streets, the billboard gives directions from Chicago to the Great Lake alongside a simple message: “It’s still Lake Ontario. And we’re still here.”

The campaign follows MapQuest’s decision not to adopt the new name on its maps. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has similarly defended the historic name, noting that Lake Ontario predates the Declaration of Independence and saying that recognizing reality means continuing to call it Lake Ontario.

MapQuest says its stance has even brought the longtime mapping service renewed attention, with the company reporting a resurgence in popularity since deciding to retain the historic name.

For generations, maps have helped preserve and communicate the names we use for the places around us. MapQuest is making clear which name travelers will continue to find on its maps.

Add your name to applaud MapQuest for keeping Lake Ontario on its maps and publicly affirming the historic name of one of North America’s Great Lakes.