This Day in History October 29, 1792

 

Well, what I have to share ties in really well with Pacific Northwest culture and scenery.  Those of you who live in the Pacific Northwest may recognize this mountain very quickly (sorry, I wouldn't have known for sure--I only recognize Mt. Rainier readily).  This is Mount Hood, and it can be found in Northern Oregon--50 miles east-southeast of Portland.

The height of Mt. Hood has varied, and it is the highest point in the Oregon Cascade range--fourth highest overall.  It is considered the Oregon volcano most likely to erupt, but the odds of an eruption in the next 30 years are 3-7 percent.  The Native American name for Mt. Hood was Wy'east, taken from the name of the Multnomah chief.

Now, why on earth would I be talking about Mt. Hood today?  It received its present name on this date in 1792.  Lt. William Broughton, a member of Captain George Vancouver's discovery expedition, named it after a British admiral, Samuel Hood.  Lewis and Clark were the first Americans to see the mountain in 1805, and the story continues from there.

I would invite any of you who would like to check out the wonderful information and pictures on these sites about Mt. Hood.
http://www.localcolorarts.com/mount_hood/encyclopedia.htm#Name
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/mount-hood/origin-of-its-name.html

It is nice to get to cover something that comes from my area of the world for a change!