Devils Tower: the story behind the mysterious US national monument

Stewart Phillip Porter, a 21-year-old from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died after a fatal fall while climbing Devils Tower in September 2024. The incident marks the eighth climbing fatality at the monument in over a century. The National Park Service reminded climbers to prioritize safety by checking weather conditions, being aware of wildlife, and consulting multiple sources for route information.

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View - However, climbers still attest the view from the top of Devils Tower is worth it.

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Historic - Devils Tower was the United States' first National Monument. The monument was inaugurated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

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Challenge -

Would you be brave enough to visit the Devils Tower?!

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The beginning - Our trip starts with a sci-fi movie from 1977. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is one of Steven Spielberg's most iconic movies.

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind -

In the movie, a group of people try to contact aliens who arrive on two ships, which land on a mysterious tower.

But did you know the tower in the movie is real?

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Destination - Head to Wyoming, United States, to see this mysterious rock formation. As you get closer, you can spot the huge monument.

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Devils Tower - This rock formation is over 200 m tall. There are several different versions of how the name Devils Tower came about.

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Age - Scientists estimate the monument was formed around 50 million years ago.

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Scientists' theory - Many scientists believe pressure from inside the Earth forced magma upwards, which cooled and resulted in this formation.

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Natives' theory - The indigenous people have another theory, though.

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Mother Nature - Legend says one of the girls prayed so hard to be saved that the mountain formed, and the marks left on it came from the bears who tried to scale the rock formation.

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Sacred -

Still according to that belief, when the rock formation reached the sky, the girls became the star constellation known now as Pleiades.

Even now, at certain times of the year, the indigenous people perform their rituals there.

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Alien theory - However, UFO researchers also present a third theory.

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Landing spot - They believe the Devils Tower is sort of like an 'airport' for aliens. Which was exactly what happened in Steven Spielberg's movie!

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Tourism - Whatever the truth, the monument has become a tourist attraction and it is a big spot for rock climbers.

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Climbing - Records show the first climbing attempt took place in 1893. But not everyone can make it to the summit!

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Climbing -

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View - However, climbers still attest the view from the top of Devils Tower is worth it.

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Historic - Devils Tower was the United States' first National Monument. The monument was inaugurated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

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Challenge -

Would you be brave enough to visit the Devils Tower?!

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Devils Tower: the story behind the mysterious US national monument

Click through this gallery to find out more about the mysterious Devils Tower monument

25/03/25 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Tourist attraction

Nature is fascinating in so many ways, and it holds secrets that scientists have been trying to uncover for years. This is the case for Devils Tower, which is believed to have been formed around 50 million years ago. Steeped in geological mystery, it also has a mythological and sacred meaning for the local indigenous people.

It's no wonder that such an enigmatic spot attracts thousands of tourists for different reasons, including rock climbing. Indeed, despite the infrequent nature of climbing fatalities at the monument, a 21-year-old rock climber recently died after falling during a rappel, leading authorities to increase safety warnings regarding venturing into the site.

Devils Tower is a monument surrounded by stories of aliens and legends of giant bears, but what is the real story behind this national monument and its enduring allure? Click on to find out.