THE APOSTROPHE - POSSESSIVES IN GEOGRAPHIC NAMES

Place name in the U.S. do not use the possessive apostrophe on federal maps and signs. The United States Board on Geographic Names, which has the responsibility for formal names of municipalities and geographic features, has deprecated the use of possessive apostrophes since 1890 so as to not show ownership of the place. Only 5 names of natural features in the U.S. are officially spelled with a genitive apostrophe;

1. Martha's Vineyard
2. Ike's Point, New Jersey
3. John E's Pond, Rhode Island
4. Carlos Elmer's Joshua View, Arizona
5. Clark's Mountain, Oregon