The Devil's Tower

 The Geological Wonders of Devil's Tower: A Real-Life Version of Native American Folklore

 

 Devil’s Tower and Other Strange Structures: How did it Come to Be?

Located in the central region of Wyoming in the north eastern part of the country the Devil’s Tower is one of the country’s most beautiful natural landmarks with immense historical and geologic appeal. This remarkable structure has become famous as Bear Lodge according to the traditions of Indigenous peoples of the Americas and has become a symbol of mystery and grandiose for the tourists.

Devil’s Tower is believed to have been created, by a story of young girls who ran to escape a group of bear attackers. When the girls attempted to leave the cave, they climbed on a rock and as they sought the help of the Great Spirit the rock lifted the girls out of reach and left the bears helpless below. It is believed that this produced what is now known as Devil’s Tower, one of the most outstanding geological features.

As interesting as it is impressive Devil’s tower conceals several remarkable geological mysteries

Folklore of Native American origin is an interesting way of telling the society about the existence of the structure though the geological history of Devil’s Tower cannot be more exciting. Born from the middle to the terminal Triassic, the tower began with the laying down of sediments in a shallow body of water. It was really transformed during the Paleocene, an intrusion of igneous material gave it the present day structure.

The rock which the tower consists of is phonolite porphyry, a light-coloured grey to greenish grey stone with white feldspar crystals. Devil’s Tower’s polygonal columns have between four and seven sides; they probably resulted from the slow cooling of this volcanic material and subsequent contraction.

So rich in its formations that it covers more than 65 meters in height, Devil’s Tower stands out as one of the greatest wonders of nature existing on the planet. Because of its colossal structure and, uniqueness, it was recognized by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 as the first United States National Monument.

 

Devil’s Tower has remained and will continue to remain influential for the following reasons

In addition to the geological aspect, Devil’s Tower has the cultural consequence and religious function to the Native Americans who actually believe in the sacred structure. For the Lakota, Cheyenne and the other indigenous people this particular tower is called Bear Lodge which happens to have a very deep symbolic meaning for the culture of the tribes.

The shape and size of the structure have also stirred people’s creativity and made a cause for people to visit the tower from various parts of the world to admire it. Regardless of one’s passion in geology, love for nature or even a fascination of the creations of the master artist, the creator of the universe; God, the Devil’s Tower leave a lasting impression on anyone.

 

Trekking with the Mystery of Devil’s Tower

For visitors willing to embrace the miracle of Devil’s Tower there are lots of opportunities to visit the place and enjoy the view of unique formation. The hiking trails twist around the base of the tower where one gets to enjoy the spectacular display of nature and at the same time be one with nature.

On the same note, climbers are also attracted to the daunting features of Devil’s Tower and take on the challenge of climbing the famously featured columns and the landscape to boot is suitable for professional climbers. There are also several offices to visit with more extended information about the tower and the fountain, its geology, history, and ethnographic value at the visitor center and the facilities with the interpretative hall.

Tasks Related to Retaining the Spiritual Bearings of Devil’s Tower

Due to the status of being a national monument, Devil’s Tower is preserved to ensure that everyone can access and appreciate it now and in the future. To this date, the National Park Service, local communities, and indigenous people continue to strive hard to preserve the significance of the tower’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.

We have been learning about Devil’s Tower through the present research to preserve the geological and cultural values in addition to initiating public awareness and enlightenment to embrace the natural beauty of the world.

Conclusion: Natural and Ethnic Cultural Heritage of Each Epoch

Whether it is the romantic tale of the Native American tribes or the millions of years of geological activity that gave rise to the formation of Devil’s Tower, this natural landmark reminds the viewer of the vastness and scale of our world. Indigenous tribes cannot get enough of Devil’s Tower and that is not all; even superstars cannot get enough of this magnificent masterpiece as it has remained a major landmark of Wyoming and American pride as a whole.

Reference:

1."Apsáalooke Place Names Database". Little Big Horn College. Retrieved May 24, 2020.

2. "Devils Tower, Wyoming". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved December 14, 2012.

3."Devils Tower". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 14, 2012.

4."Devils Tower in United States of America". Protected Planet. IUCN. Retrieved November 2, 2018.

5."Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX). Land Resource Division, National Park Service. Retrieved May 13, 2012. (National Park Service Acreage Reports)

6. Proclamation 658: Setting aside Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming . September 24, 1906 – via Wikisource.

7."NPS Annual Recreation Visits Report". National Park Service. Retrieved February 20, 2019.