All the evidence therefore that I have had to guide me in regard to these beds along the margin of the mountain ranges has been their position." (p. 114). Despite this doubt by Hayden, the name Dakota Formation became entrenched in many western states, but has been renamed as the Lakota Formation in South Dakota, the Cloverly Formation in Wyoming and Montana (in part), and the South Platte Formation in eastern Colorado, but not on the northern half of the Colorado Plateau where the name "Dakota Formation" continued to be used.
The evidence presented here indicates that the beds' locations were determined by their position along the mountain ranges. However, Hayden's skepticism led to a reevaluation of the name Dakota Formation, which was eventually replaced with other names in certain regions, such as South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and eastern Colorado.