Denali National Park

By Cleet

  • First Recorded Denali Experience

    The first recorded reference to Denali in the journal of British explorer 'George' Vancouver.

  • Charles Alexander Sheldon

    Charles Alexander Sheldon takes a visit to the park and is afraid human activity might threaten the sheep. He petitions the people of Alaska to make a national park.

  • Denali is Named

    Prospector William Dickey names Mt. McKinley for Presidential nominee William McKinley of Ohio.

  • Traverse Over Moutain Range

    First non-native overland traverse of the Alaska Range is made (via the Yentna and Kichatna Rivers) by 1st Lt. Joseph Herron's Army expedition. This same year, Herron names Mt. Foraker for U.S. Senator J.B. Foraker, also of Ohio.

  • Attempt to Climb

    First attempt to climb Mt. McKinley made by Judge James Wickersham and four team members. The expedition started in Fairbanks and eventually reached the 10,000-foot level of what is now known as the Wickersham Wall.

  • CircumNavigation

    A 6-member expedition led by Dr. Frederick Cook attempts Mt. McKinley's Northwest Buttress, reaching an elevation of 11,300 feet. The team completes the expedition by circumnavigating the mountain.

  • Park Founded

    Denali National Park was founded under president Woodrow Wilson,

  • First Woman Ascent

    Barbara Washburn becomes the first woman to summit Mt. McKinley.

  • Winter Ascent

    Vernon Tejas is the first solo climber to ascend Mt. McKinley in the winter and survive.

  • Blind Ascent

    Joan Phelps completes the first blind ascent of Mt. McKinley.

  • Youngest Female Summit

    The youngest female reaches the summit of Mt. McKinley, Merrick Johnston, age 12.