Devils Tower is a striking geologic formation in the Black Hills of Wyoming, United States. It stands 867 feet (264.4 meters) tall, making it one of the most iconic and recognizable landforms in the United States. It is also the first National Monument, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
The History of Devils Tower
The history of Devils Tower begins with the Native American tribes that have inhabited the area for generations. The Kiowa Tribe called it “Bear’s Lodge.” The Lakota Sioux called it “Mato Tipila,” which translates to “Bear’s House.” The Cheyenne referred to it as “Bear’s Tipi” or “Bear’s Lodge,” and the Arapaho called it “Tree Rock.”
The first recorded exploration of Devils Tower occurred in 1859, when Lieutenant Colonel Richard I. Dodge of the U.S. Army traveled to the area to survey the land. He named the formation “Devils Tower” after a nearby creek.
Geology of Devils Tower
Devils Tower is an igneous rock formation that stands 867 feet (264.4 meters) tall. It is believed to have formed 50 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period, when molten magma from the Earth’s mantle forced its way up through fractures in the Earth’s surface. As the molten magma cooled, it formed the tower’s distinct columns.
The tower has six sides, and each side is made up of distinct columns of hexagonal basalt. The columns are vertical and are between three and six feet in diameter. The columns were formed by the cooling and contraction of the molten magma.
Climbing Devils Tower
Devils Tower is a popular destination for climbers from all over the world. The first recorded ascent of the tower was made in 1893 by William Rogers and Willard Ripley. Since then, the tower has become a popular destination for climbers, and there are now over 200 established routes on the tower.
There are several methods used to climb the tower, including top-roping, lead climbing, and free soloing (climbing without ropes). Climbing on Devils Tower is permitted from mid-April to mid-October, and all climbers are required to register with the National Park Service before attempting a climb.
Wildlife at Devils Tower
Devils Tower is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, elk, and bighorn sheep. The area also supports a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, hawks, and owls. In addition, the tower is home to a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and garter snakes.
Conclusion
Devils Tower is an iconic landform in the United States, and it is one of the most popular destinations for climbers from all over the world. The tower stands 867 feet (264.4 meters) tall, and it is made up of six distinct columns of hexagonal basalt. The tower is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, elk, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds and reptiles.