I Found a Prehistoric Building on Top of America’s Most Famous Mountain

Summary

In 1872, two explorers discovered an ancient structure atop the Grand Teton, sparking an enduring mystery about its origins and purpose. This video chronicles a modern-day expedition to the same site, delving into the history of the first summit, indigenous connections to the Tetons, and theories surrounding the 'enclosure.' With breathtaking views and personal reflections, the journey underscores the deep, spiritual relationship between humans and this iconic mountain, revealing that the mystery may not be in the answers, but in the continued exploration of its untold story.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Grand Teton is one of North America's most iconic mountains, attracting millions of visitors each year.
• 😀 In 1872, the first official expedition aimed to summit the Grand Teton, discovering an ancient structure along the way.
• 😀 The mysterious structure found in 1872 remains unexplained, with questions about its origins and purpose still unresolved.
• 😀 The trek to the Grand Teton involves extreme elevation changes, with a total of 14,000 feet gained and lost during the climb.
• 😀 The Teton Range is known for its steep terrain, which makes climbing the mountains particularly challenging and strenuous.
• 😀 The structure found during the expedition is believed to be a ruin, potentially connected to the region's indigenous peoples.
• 😀 The area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Crow, who constructed fasting beds for spiritual practices.
• 😀 Some Crow elders believe the structure might be where an important vision quest occurred, influencing their tribe's early history.
• 😀 The structure is referred to as 'the enclosure' and has been the subject of speculation regarding its use as a ceremonial or astronomical site.
• 😀 The Grand Teton's historical significance goes beyond its natural beauty, suggesting a long history of human interaction with the mountain.
• 😀 Despite modern climbers' efforts, the mystery of the enclosure remains unsolved, but it continues to captivate explorers and historians alike.

Q & A

What makes the Grand Teton one of the most iconic mountains in North America?

The Grand Teton is considered one of the most iconic mountains in North America due to its striking prominence, steep cliffs, and the stunning views it offers. Every year, millions of visitors travel from around the world to see it, making it a symbol of natural beauty and adventure.

What significant discovery was made during the first official expedition to the Grand Teton in 1872?

During the 1872 expedition, the climbers discovered an ancient structure near the summit of the Grand Teton. This structure, which became known as 'the enclosure,' raised questions about who built it and why, as it was found in a remote and challenging location.

How does the difficulty of climbing the Grand Teton compare to other mountains?

Climbing the Grand Teton is especially difficult due to its steep, rugged terrain and the significant elevation gain required. The summit is at 13,775 feet, and the climb involves approximately 14,000 feet of total elevation gain and loss, which is physically taxing and requires careful endurance.

Why is the Grand Teton's prominence a key factor in its challenging climb?

Prominence refers to the mountain's sheer rise from the valley floor, which means there are no foothills at its base. This contributes to its steepness and difficulty. The Grand Teton's steep cliffs and low starting elevation make the climb particularly strenuous.

What historical significance does the Grand Teton have in relation to indigenous peoples?

The Grand Teton and its surrounding region were historically inhabited by various Native American tribes, some of whom may have used the area for religious or ceremonial purposes. The Crow tribe, for example, has a legend about a man who received a vision on top of the Tetons, which led to the tribe’s first horses.

What is the 'enclosure' discovered in 1872, and why is it significant?

The 'enclosure' is a mysterious structure made of granite slabs arranged in a circular shape. It was discovered by two men from the Hayden Expedition in 1872. Its purpose remains unclear, but it has sparked much speculation, including theories that it was used for ceremonial, religious, or astronomical purposes by indigenous peoples.

What role do glaciers play in shaping the Teton range, and how old are the current glaciers?

The glaciers in the Teton range were formed during the Little Ice Age, around 500 years ago. These glaciers, along with the steep high peaks and carved valleys, are a direct result of ancient glacial activity. Today, the glaciers are shrinking, and their future remains uncertain.

What does the discovery of the ancient structure on the Grand Teton tell us about early human presence in the region?

The discovery of the structure suggests that humans were present in the Teton region long before written history, potentially as far back as 11,000 to 12,000 years ago. It indicates that early peoples, likely indigenous groups, found the area significant and may have visited or lived there.

How does the Grand Teton’s extreme elevation and terrain affect modern climbers?

The extreme elevation (13,775 feet) and rugged terrain of the Grand Teton present significant challenges for modern climbers. Even with advanced gear, climbers must be in excellent physical condition, as the climb can take up to 18 hours of continuous movement, with the risk of accidents and injuries due to the difficult conditions.

What are some theories about the purpose of the 'enclosure' discovered on the Grand Teton?

Some theories suggest that the 'enclosure' was used for vision quests or as a ceremonial site by indigenous peoples, particularly the Crow tribe. It might also have been used as an astronomical observatory, as its structure faces south and is aligned with the natural landscape. However, its true purpose remains speculative.