The Mt. Denali Story

The tallest mountain in North America.

Alaskans will proudly tell you that Denali, pictured above, is the tallest mountain in North America. While there is some dispute about the actual height, it’s commonly referred to as 20,310 feet… Yes, it’s big and impressive.

It’s Real Name and It’s Meaning

The name Denali comes from the traditional language known as Koyukon, used by the Athabaskan people of Alaska. In that language, Denali means “the tall one”.

Alaska natives have used the name Denali for generations.

Naming the Mountain

While the name Denali was given to the mountain long ago by the Athabaskan people, others have tried to “rename” this majestic natural wonder.

In 1889, some were calling the mountain “Densmore’s Peak” after a prospector named Frank Densmore.

Then in 1896, another prospector named William A. Dickey decided to call Denali, “Mount McKinley” to honor William McKinley, who was a U.S. Presidential candidate from Ohio at the time… McKinley had no connection to the mountain and had never been to Alaska.

In 1917, following the passing of then President McKinley, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the name “Mount McKinley”.

Since then, the name of the mountain was changed back to Denali, then McKinley.

Often Shrouded by Cloud Cover

Denali is about 237 miles north of Anchorage. But because the mountain is so massive, on a clear day, it can be seen from Anchorage.

First Recorded Written Reference

History books say that the first recorded reference to Denali was discovered in 1794 in a journal kept by the British explorer George Vancouver.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

Your friends and family will love this look at Denali. And if they have never been to Alaska, they will have a sudden, uncontrollable need to visit the 49th state.

So make sure they don’t miss out… share this fun edition with them and you’ll be a hero.

They Just Had to Try

While rock climbing or mountain climbing may not be your thing, you have to admit that climbing the tallest mountain in North America would be a nice feather in your cap.

Weather conditions and steep vertical climbs make Denali a difficult climb.

From several hundred to around 1,000 people attempt to climb the mountain each year. The following are a few of those early adventurous souls.

In the photo above is Judge James Wickersham

In 1903, Judge James Wickersham and his team reached the 10,000-foot level on Denali. That spot is now known as the “Wickersham Wall”.

In the portrait above is Hudson Struck

On June 7, 1913, Hudson Struck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper and Robert Tatum and their team were able to reach the summit of Denali.

Pictured above are Hudson Struck and Harry Karstens

BONUS

You can see pictures of the Struck, Karstens, Harper and Tatum climb.

Click on the following video titled Why Climb?

A Wildlife Preserve

in 1917, Mount McKinley National Park was established as a wildlife preserve.

Note:

Harry Karstens was named as the park’s first superintendent.

Remember, Karstens had climbed to the peak in 1913.

In the picture above is Harry Karstens in his park uniform

Back to Denali

In 1980, the mountain was unofficially renamed Denali National Park and Preserve.

At 6 million acres, the park is larger than the state of Massachusetts.

In 2015, the U.S. government officially returned Alaska’s mountain to its original name of Denali.

BONUS

Would you like to know more about Denali?

The national Park service has a library of information of all kinds.

Take a look at the Park History and discover.

The painting above was created by famed Alaska artist Sydney Laurence, who spent a great deal of his time painting beautiful portraits of Denali.

BONUS

Would you like to learn about Alaska Artist, Sydney Laurence, who painted the picture above, of Denali?

Take a look at the Sydney Laurence Story and enjoy.

Connect with Mike and Mary

Did you enjoy this look at Denali?

Do you have any comments?

You can also reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us right here to say,

“I once dreamed I climbed Denali, but when I woke up, I was sitting on my pillow.”

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

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