The mystery of Devils Tower, America’s first monument
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.
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?
Destination
Head to Wyoming, United States, to see this mysterious rock formation. As you get closer, you can spot the huge monument.
Expedition
One of the theories says that the name was first given in 1875 during an expedition led by Richard Irving Dodge, and it stayed like that thanks to a typo. The other theory says that it was the region's native people who named the monument.
Scientists' theory
Many scientists believe pressure from inside the Earth forced magma upwards, which cooled and resulted in this formation.
Natives' theory
They believe the cracks on the rock were made by giant bears. According to their beliefs, it happened when bears chased after little girls who where playing near where the tower sits today.
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.
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!
Climbing
Records show the first climbing attempt took place in 1893. But not everyone can make it to the summit!
View
However, climbers still attest the view from the top of Devils Tower is worth it.
