The eastern elk, also known as the eastern wapiti, was a species of elk that roamed the eastern part of North America. Although it is currently extinct, it had various synonyms that were used during its time. Some of these synonyms include the Shawnee elk, Michilimackinac elk, and Virginia elk. The Shawnee elk name was given by the Shawnee Indians who inhabited the eastern regions of North America. The Michilimackinac elk was named after the Michilimackinac region in Michigan where it was also found. On the other hand, the Virginia elk was named after Virginia, which was one of the eastern regions where it roamed. These synonyms help to paint a picture of the elk's habitat, from the Shawnee tribes in the South to the mountainous region of Virginia.