This is in response to Avery Martinez’s op-ed, “Proposed College Name Change Hides History of Racism,” (Herald, Nov. 27).

His account of Fort Lewis’ involvement in the so called “Ute War” contained twisted facts and much misinformation – “fake history” as it were.

His goal was to make a case for a “darker motive” behind changing the name of Fort Lewis College. Space does not permit a detailed rebuttal of his account of the “Meeker Massacre” and related Thornburgh battle, but in brief, troops from Fort Lewis (located near Pagosa Hot Springs at that time) marched not to far-away Milk Creek in northwestern Colorado to reinforce embattled army troops, but to Animas City (now part of Durango).

Fort Lewis troops calmed local settlers’ nerves rather than engaging the Utes in battle. Peace reigned in Southwest Colorado as the Southern Utes had no intention of going on the warpath.

In many ways, the legacy of the Fort Lewis military post can best be viewed in the context of the important role it played in the economic, cultural and social life of Durango and other communities in Southwest Colorado.

Fort Lewis continues to play a similarly important role in our community today. As we consider a name change for the college, our focus should be on what’s best for the college and the greater community it serves.

While I agree that we should keep the name “Fort Lewis,” searching for “dark motives” is counter-productive and only serves to further divide us.

Robert McDaniel

Durango