The Cheyenne Indians name for the river was "I-tan-i-ho" meaning tongue. (WPA) The first documented recording of the name Tongue River is by Lewis and Clark in 1805-1806. Clark describes it in his journal entry of July 29, 1806 as the Le-ze-ka or Tongue River. (Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition) "Le-ze-ka, also Lazeka. Lewis & Clark's writing for the name of the Tongue River; from Mandan, résik meaning 'tongue'." (Bright)
Other Names:
I-tan-i-ho, Crooked River, Lazeka River, Lazeka-Na, Le-ze-ka; Wit'anowi'yohe
