History of Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902 when President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill making it the fifth oldest national park in the United States.

Formation

Crater Lake formed after an ancient volcano caved in and erupted about 7,700 years ago, creating a deep hole that filled with 4.6 trillion gallons of water from melted snow and rain. It is the deepest and bluest lake in the world.

Founders

John Wesley Hillman, Henry Klippel and Isaac Skeeters, on a quest to find gold, first founded Crater Lake on June 12, 1853. They named it Deep Blue Lake.

Management

William Gladstone Steel, known as the "Father of Crater Lake National Park," learned about Crater Lake in 1870 when he read about it in a newspaper that he wrapped his lunch in. Mr. Steel managed Crater Lake National Park for 49 years.

Geology

A geological survey conducted in 1959 by Captain Clarence Dutton recorded the deepest part of Crater Lake at 1,932 feet.

Landmarks

Notable landmarks include Crater Lake Lodge, Wizard Island, Llao Rock and Skell Head.

Distinguishing Facts

Rim Drive was finished in 1918. Crater Lake Lodge was ready for visitors in 1915. Crater Lake sees the most visitors in July and August.

References

• History of Crater Lake National Park

Resources

• History of Crater Lake Lodge
• Crater Lake Visitor Center