The Devil’s Tower: US’ Mysterious Sightseeing Spot

Located in the Black Hillsin Crook County of Wyoming, the Devils Tower is definitely among the most interesting sightseeing spots in USA. It is a giant volcanic rock, with a height of 1,267 feet above the ground and 5,112 feet above sea level. So what makes it so unique?

The shape of the tower, which raises straight to the sky, is filled with thin pieces of rock, that allow visitors to climb on it. Although, the date of the formation is still uncertain, geologists have discovered how it was created. Apparently, the giant tower is in fact, what’s left of a large mass of rock, that came out to the surface through several beds of overlying sedimentary rocks. As time passed by, natural events such as; rain, wind and storms, gradually modified the shape of the tower by eroding the volcanic rock.

The properties of the volcanic rock makes the tower to change its shape easily. Those, who get there at the right place and the right time, can notice large pieces of rocks and even giant columns falling off the main volcanic rock. The stones found at the base of the structure proof, that the initial shape of the tower was much larger than it is today.

However, it’s not geology that draws so many people to this outstanding natural masterpiece, but its history.

As evidence suggests, the name of the Devils Tower was first given by the Colonel Richard Irving Dodge. He discovered the rock formation, during one of his expeditions in 1875. In fact, the Colonel named the structure “the Bad God’s Tower,” but it was changed in time to the Devils Tower. There are other names related to it as well, including: “Grizzly Bear Lodge,” “Grey Horn Buttle” and “He Hota Paha,” Also, the large number of legends are related to the place.

One of the most popular legends about the Devils Tower comes from the Kiowa tribe. According to it, there once were 7 sisters, who wondered outside the village they lived, into the forests. As they walked around in wilderness and they got lost. Later, they were attacked by a giant bear. While the girls prayed for survival, the earth started rising beyond them creating the Devils Tower, and the 7 girls were turned into stars, that now are known as the Big Dipper formation.

The mystery surrounding the Devils Tower is definitely among the main reasons, why it’s become so popular among tourists. Nevertheless, the shape and the surroundings turn this place into an unforgettable natural sightseeing objective.