Google Earth's Homage to Hitler
Oct. 27 2008, Published 7:07 a.m. ET
MOUNTAIN CONCERN Hitler's hill
The idyllic Bavarian community of Wackersberg has a surprising claim to fame, according to Web geographic mapping tool Google Earth. It is overlooked by a certain Mt. Hitler.
Nevermind that the 3,953 ft. peak in question was only known by the unfortunate moniker from 1933 to 1945, when it was briefly renamed by the Nazis. Google Germany spokesperson Stefan Keuchel promises to get rid of the name "once and for all" but defends Google's present label, claiming that, "in the past that's what the mountain was called, plain and simple."
A slightly revisionist attitude considering the name was only in use for 12 years, and local residents say they know it as "Hegelkopf." The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but at least it doesn't conjure memories of genocidal madmen.
