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 Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington
Volcanoes and History

Lansford W. Hastings

Presidents Range
(Published in 1845)


Excerpt from: The Emigrants' Guide, To Oregon and California ..., by Lansford W. Hastings, Leader of the Oregon and California Emigrants of 1842, published by George Conclin, Cincinnati, 1845. Annotation taken from Hall J. Kelley's map, "Territory of Oregon", courtesy College of the Siskiyous website, 2008]

Presidents Range

   [p.25-26]     ... The Cascade mountains constitute that range which lies nearest the coast, and which is called the Cascade, or President's range. The course of this range is nearly parallel with the coast; its average distance from which, is from one to two hundred miles; and it is surpassed in altitude only by the Rocky mountains. It has twelve lofty peaks, several of which are from twelve to eighteen thousand feet above the level of the sea, rising in perfect cones, and covered perpetually with snow. Five of these have received the names of the former deceased presidents of the United States. These names were given them, by a Mr. Kelley, a traveler from the United States, several years ago, and they have ever since retained them; hence it is that this range is now called the Presidents' range. The other seven of these extraordinary conical peaks, have received their names from various English travelers and navigators. But five of this seven, have latterly, received the names of five other presidents of the United States. These names, I will also adopt, as I much prefer our own names, for our own property. The remaining two of these singular elevations, are called mount Fareweather, and mount St. Elias, both of which, are situated north of the northern boundary of Oregon. Now having our own names for each of these, which are within our own territory, I will proceed to give a brief description of them, in their proper order.

Mount Washington [Kelley's map shows this to be Mount St. Helens, however Hastings description puts it as Mount Hood. Mount Hood however is in latitude 45o] is situated near latitude 44o north, about seven leagues south of the cascades; it is conical in form, rising about eighteen thousand feet above the level of the sea, and covered with perpetual snow, at least 12 thousand feet from its top downwards.

Mount Adams [Mount Hood on Kelley's map, later transfered to today's Mount Adams. Mount Adams however is in latitude 46o] is near the parallel of 45o north latitude, about eight leagues north from the cascades. About five hundred feet of its surface from its top, are covered with snow perpetually.

Mount Jefferson [Mount Jefferson on Kelley's map. Mount Jefferson however is located in latitude 44o] is a vast and lofty peak, situated near latitude 42o north; it is also covered perpetually with snow, several thousand feet downward, from its top, and is seen from almost any part of the southern country.

Mount Madison [Three Sisters area on Kelley's map, however the latitude given is for Mount St. Helens or Mount Adams] is near latitude 46o north; it is a vast massive peak, covered with snow to a very great depth.

Mount Monroe [Diamond Peak] is also a vastly elevated peak, extending far into the snowy region; it lies near latitude 43o and 30' north, and is seen at a great distance.

Mount John Q. Adams [Mount McLoughlin], situated at latitude 42o and 10' north, is also a vast peak, towering high above the snow line.

Mount Jackson [Mount Shasta] is among the most elevated peaks, and is surpassed only by mount Washington [Mount Hood]; it is situated near the forty second degree of north latitude.

Mount Van Buren [Mount Olympus] is a very high peak, situated on the isthmus, between the Pacific and Puget's sound.

Mount Harrison [Mount Rainier] is also a very lofty peak, terminating in regions of perpetual snow; it lies about forty miles west [east] from Puget's sound.

Mount Tyler [Mount Baker], being vasatly elevated and covered with snow, is seen at a very great distance; it lies about eighty miles north from mount Harrison [Mount Rainier].

All these are most extraordinary conical formations; some of which are seen from every part of the country. Here, wherever you are, you behold these ancient pyramids of eternal ice and snow, fearlessly rearing their majestic heads, high in the ethereal regions, amid the howling tempest, the flashing lightnings, and the roaring thunders above; presenting their eternal battlements, in bold defiance of the foaming billows, the raging floods, and the quaking and volcanic earth below. Enduring monuments of time! All this range of mountains, is much less sterile than those before described. It has numerous elevated plains and valleys, and extensive depressions, all of which, abound with vegetation of various kinds; lofty trees of fir, pine, cedar and oak, of ost extraordinary growth. ...



Excerpt source found at Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library Website (2007).


 

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09/17/08, Lyn Topinka