Swastika, New York: A Name Rooted in History and Controversy

Swastika, a small unincorporated community in the town of Black Brook, located in Clinton County, New York, holds a unique place in the state's geography and history.

Situated 19 miles southwest of Plattsburgh, Swastika is characterized by its sparse population and a handful of buildings, giving it a quaint yet intriguing presence along the road.

The origins of Swastika's name date back to at least 1913 when a post office named Swastika, NY was operational until 1958. The town's last postmaster, Edward Duprey, shed light on the name's history, revealing that it was not directly tied to the community itself but was merely a name assigned for the post office based on a list provided by the government. The postmaster noted that the name had nothing to do with the town's residents or identity, serving a functional purpose rather than a symbolic one.

In September 2020, Swastika made headlines when the town council unanimously decided to retain the name, following a petition from a concerned New York City resident.

Supervisor Jon Douglass of Black Brook acknowledged that the name Swastika was chosen by the town's original settlers in the 1800s and was derived from the Sanskrit word signifying well-being. He emphasized that the symbol associated with Swastika has a longstanding history in Indian religions as a representation of good luck, separate from its modern-day connotations with hate and intolerance.

The debate surrounding Swastika's name is not new, as requests for changing it had been raised in previous meetings, including discussions immediately after World War II. While some residents and officials defend the name as a tribute to the town's heritage and the positive connotations of the symbol, others remain mindful of the sensitivities and associations attached to the swastika image.

Get our free mobile app

As Swastika navigates the challenge of reconciling its historical roots with contemporary sensibilities, it underscores the ongoing dialogue around symbols, meanings, and the evolving narratives that shape our understanding of the world around us.