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Mt Rainier Original Name

Introduction

Mt Rainier, located in Washington state, is one of the most iconic mountains in the United States. It is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and skiers. However, Mt Rainier has a rich history and mythology associated with it that predates European settlement. The mountain was given its current name by George Vancouver in honor of his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. However, the mountain had a different name before European settlers arrived. This article explores the original name of Mt Rainier and the Native American mythology and geology associated with it.

Native American Mythology

Before European settlers arrived in the Pacific Northwest, the mountain now known as Mt Rainier was known by different names by the Native American tribes that lived in the area. The Puyallup tribe called the mountain Tahoma, which means 'mother of waters' or 'supreme mountain.' The Yakama tribe called the mountain Ti’Swaq’, which means 'sky wall.' The Muckleshoot tribe called the mountain Loowit, which means 'smoking mountain.' These names reflect the importance of the mountain in Native American mythology and culture. The mountain was seen as a powerful and sacred place, and many tribes believed that it was the home of the gods.

Geology

Mt Rainier is a stratovolcano, which means that it is built up of layers of hardened lava, ash, and other volcanic debris. The mountain is still considered an active volcano, although it has not erupted in over 100 years. The last major eruption occurred in 1894, and smaller eruptions have occurred since then. The geology of Mt Rainier is closely tied to the mythology and culture of the Native American tribes that lived in the area. Many tribes believed that the mountain was the source of earthquakes, thunder, and lightning. They also believed that the mountain was the home of the gods and that it had the power to control the weather and the seasons.

European Settlement

When European settlers arrived in the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century, they began to explore and map the area. In 1792, George Vancouver, a British explorer, sailed into Puget Sound and named the mountain after his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. The name Mt Rainier has been used ever since. However, the Native American names for the mountain are still used by some tribes and are recognized by the United States Board on Geographic Names.

Conclusion

Mt Rainier is a mountain with a rich history and mythology associated with it. The mountain was given its current name by George Vancouver in honor of his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. However, the mountain had a different name before European settlers arrived. The Native American tribes that lived in the area had their own names for the mountain, which reflected its importance in their mythology and culture. The geology of Mt Rainier is closely tied to the mythology and culture of the Native American tribes, and the mountain is still considered a sacred place by many people today.