Devil’s Tower, a striking geological formation rising dramatically from the rolling landscape of northeastern Wyoming, has fascinated geologists, Native American tribes, and visitors for centuries. This monolithic butte, which towers 867 feet above its base and reaches a total height of 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain, is known for its columnar basalt formation and its role as a sacred site and natural wonder.
Declared the first National Monument in the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Devil’s Tower has not only geological significance but also deep cultural and spiritual importance. In this article, we will explore the geological formation, Native American legends, cultural significance, and tourism surrounding this awe-inspiring structure.
The Geological Origins of Devil’s Tower
The origins of Devil’s Tower are a subject of fascination and debate among geologists. The formation is believed to be the remnant of a magma intrusion, which is a body of igneous rock that crystallized from molten magma below the Earth’s surface. Here’s a closer look at the geological aspects of this iconic butte:
1. Formation Process
The most widely accepted theory suggests that Devil’s Tower formed around 50 to 60 million years ago during the Paleocene Epoch. The region was experiencing significant volcanic activity, leading to the intrusion of magma into the sedimentary rock layers beneath the Earth’s surface.
Over time, the magma cooled and solidified into igneous rock, forming the columnar structure seen today. This process of cooling caused the rock to contract and crack, resulting in the hexagonal columns that give Devil’s Tower its unique, fluted appearance. The geological term for such a formation is columnar jointing.
2. Erosion and Exposure
After the magma solidified into igneous rock, erosion played a crucial role in shaping Devil’s Tower into the form we see today. Millions of years of wind, rain, and the flowing waters of ancient rivers gradually eroded the softer sedimentary rock layers that surrounded the hardened core of the magma intrusion. As the softer rocks were worn away, the more resistant igneous rock remained, leaving behind the towering formation.
The result is a butte that rises dramatically from the landscape, with its flat top and nearly vertical walls giving it a striking silhouette against the Wyoming sky. Devil’s Tower is often described as a laccolith, which is a type of igneous intrusion with a dome-like shape, although some geologists suggest that it may be a volcanic plug—the hardened core of an ancient volcano.
The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Devil’s Tower
Long before Devil’s Tower became a National Monument, it held deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. The tower is considered a sacred site by several tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and Kiowa. These tribes have passed down oral traditions that explain the tower’s origin through myths and legends.
1. Native American Legends
Many Native American tribes have their own stories about the formation of Devil’s Tower, each rich with symbolism and spiritual meaning. A common theme among these legends is the idea that Devil’s Tower was created by a supernatural event to protect people from a threatening force. Here are a few of the well-known legends:
- Lakota Sioux Legend: According to the Lakota Sioux, Devil’s Tower (which they call Mato Tipila, or Bear Lodge) was formed when a group of young girls was chased by giant bears. To save the girls, the Great Spirit made the ground rise beneath them, lifting them out of the bears’ reach. The bears attempted to climb the steep sides of the tower, but their claws only left deep gashes in the rock. These gashes can be seen today as the vertical columns that form the tower’s sides.
- Kiowa Legend: The Kiowa tribe has a similar legend. They believe that a group of seven sisters was pursued by a bear, and when they prayed for help, the earth beneath them rose to form a towering rock. The bear left claw marks as it tried to reach them, but the girls were lifted into the sky, where they became the Pleiades constellation.
These legends emphasize the spiritual power of Devil’s Tower, making it a place of pilgrimage and ceremonial rituals for Native American tribes. Even today, many tribes hold prayer ceremonies, vision quests, and sun dances near the tower, and prayer cloths can often be seen tied to the trees around the monument.
Naming Controversy: Devil’s Tower or Bear Lodge?
The name “Devil’s Tower” is believed to have originated from a misinterpretation by European explorers. Some historical accounts suggest that Colonel Richard Dodge, who led an expedition to the area in 1875, referred to the formation as “The Bad God’s Tower” or “Devil’s Tower,” and the name stuck. However, many Native American tribes consider the name offensive due to its negative connotations and believe that it fails to respect the spiritual significance of the site.
In recent years, there has been a movement to rename Devil’s Tower to a name that reflects its cultural heritage, such as Bear Lodge, which aligns more closely with Native American traditions. The proposed name change has sparked debate among conservationists, Native American groups, and local residents.
The Climbing Culture and Environmental Concerns
Devil’s Tower is not only a cultural and geological icon but also a destination for rock climbers. The vertical columns that make up its sides provide challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels. The first recorded climb of Devil’s Tower was made in 1893 by William Rogers and Willard Ripley, who used a wooden ladder to reach the top.
1. Modern Climbing Scene
Today, Devil’s Tower attracts thousands of climbers each year, who come to test their skills on routes like the Durrance Route and El Matador. The tower offers a range of climbing experiences, from traditional crack climbing to multi-pitch routes, making it a popular destination for those seeking a unique challenge.
2. Environmental and Cultural Sensitivity
While climbing has become a major attraction, it has also raised environmental and cultural concerns. Native American tribes consider the month of June—a time when many ceremonies are held at the tower—as a sacred period, and they request that climbers voluntarily refrain from climbing during this time out of respect for their cultural practices.
The National Park Service, which manages Devil’s Tower National Monument, encourages climbers to honor this request through a voluntary climbing closure in June. This effort aims to balance the interests of the climbing community with the spiritual needs of the Native American tribes.
Devil’s Tower in Popular Culture
Devil’s Tower’s distinctive appearance and mysterious aura have made it a prominent feature in popular culture, particularly in the realms of film and literature. The most famous depiction of the monument is in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 science fiction classic, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. In the movie, Devil’s Tower becomes a key location where humans make contact with extraterrestrial life.
Spielberg’s film helped catapult Devil’s Tower into the global spotlight, attracting even more visitors to the site and further solidifying its status as an iconic American landmark. The film’s portrayal of Devil’s Tower as a mysterious meeting place only added to its already rich tapestry of myths and legends.
Visiting Devil’s Tower: A Natural Wonder for Tourists
As the first National Monument in the United States, Devil’s Tower is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its natural beauty and explore its history. The area surrounding the tower offers hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
1. Hiking Trails
Visitors can explore the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that circles the base of the formation, offering stunning views of the rock’s columns and the surrounding landscape. The trail provides information about the tower’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, making it an ideal introduction to the area.
2. Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The Belle Fourche River winds its way through the landscape around Devil’s Tower, creating a habitat for deer, prairie dogs, and various bird species. The area is home to a diverse ecosystem, with pine forests and meadows that add to the site’s serene beauty.
Conclusion: A Landmark of Nature, Myth, and History
Devil’s Tower stands as a monument to the forces of nature, the power of cultural stories, and the rich history of the American West. Whether seen through the eyes of geologists fascinated by its formation, climbers seeking adventure, or Native American tribes honoring its spiritual significance, Devil’s Tower remains a place of wonder and reverence.