When was Mount St Helens found?

Mount St. Helens: More Than Just an Eruption

Mount St. Helens. The name conjures up images of ash, devastation, and the sheer power of nature. But there’s so much more to this iconic volcano than just the infamous 1980 eruption. It’s a story that stretches back millennia, a tale of discovery, respect, and raw geological force.

Names and First Impressions

Let’s be honest, “discovery” is a loaded word, isn’t it? For centuries, Native American tribes like the Cowlitz and Klickitat knew this mountain intimately. They called it “Lawetlat’la” or “Loowit,” names that spoke to its fiery nature. These weren’t just labels; they were names steeped in history, legend, and a deep understanding of the land.

Then came the Europeans. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver, charting the waters of Puget Sound, spotted the peak. Later that year, as he sailed off the Columbia River, he officially named it Mount St. Helens, after a British diplomat. It’s a bit like naming a star – the star was always there, but someone just put a Western name on it. He also named Mount Baker, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier for other British naval officers.

A Volcano’s Long History

Geologically speaking, St. Helens is a relative youngster compared to some of its Cascade brethren. It’s only been around for about 40,000 years. But don’t let that fool you; it’s been a busy 40,000 years! Geologists have pieced together its history, dividing it into stages like “Ape Canyon” and “Swift Creek,” each marked by different types of eruptions and volcanic activity.

Before 1980, Mount St. Helens was a stunner, a perfectly symmetrical cone that earned it the nickname “Mount Fuji of America.” It was the fifth-highest peak in Washington, a majestic presence on the horizon. It’s hard to imagine now, seeing the crater, but it was truly a beautiful mountain.

The Day the Mountain Blew

Then came March 1980. A series of earthquakes rattled the region, a clear sign that something was stirring beneath the surface. On May 18th, the mountain didn’t just stir; it exploded. A magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered a massive landslide, and then… well, you know the rest.

The eruption was catastrophic. It reduced the mountain’s height by over 1,300 feet, leaving behind a gaping crater. Fifty-seven people lost their lives. Homes, bridges, railways, highways – all were obliterated. The eruption spewed over 1.5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. I remember watching it on TV as a kid, the sheer scale of the event was terrifying and awe-inspiring.

Life After the Blast

But even in the wake of such destruction, life finds a way. Since 1980, Mount St. Helens has remained active, a constant reminder of the forces at play beneath our feet. From 2004 to 2008, a new lava dome slowly grew inside the crater, a testament to the volcano’s ongoing activity.

Today, the area around Mount St. Helens is a National Volcanic Monument, a place for research, education, and reflection. It’s a living laboratory where scientists study the processes of eruption and recovery. And every May, Washington recognizes “Volcano Awareness Month,” a time to remember the past and prepare for the future.

Mount St. Helens is more than just a volcano; it’s a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the power of nature, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the human race. It’s a place that deserves our respect, our curiosity, and our unwavering attention.