Columbia Point facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Columbia Point |
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The Crestone Group as seen from Mount Adams. From left to right: Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Columbia Point, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,986 ft (4,263 m) |
| Prominence | 360 ft (110 m) |
| Isolation | 0.25 mi (0.40 km) |
| Parent peak | Kit Carson Mountain |
| Geography | |
 Columbia Point
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Saguache County, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | Sangre de Cristo Range, Crestones |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Crestone Peak, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | unknown (probably climbed as part of an ascent of Kit Carson Mountain) |
| Easiest route | Difficult class 2 |
Columbia Point is a tall mountain peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is part of a group of high peaks called the Crestones. These peaks are found in the Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado, United States.
This mountain stands at 13,986 feet (4,263 meters) high. It is located in Saguache County, about 5.5 miles (8.8 km) east of the Town of Crestone. Columbia Point is considered a smaller peak of Kit Carson Mountain.
The mountain was officially named Columbia Point in 2003. This was done to honor the seven brave astronauts. They died when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart on February 1, 2003.
A Special Name for a Special Mountain
The USGS Board of Geographic Names approved the name Columbia Point in June 2003. This board decides official names for places in the U.S.
On August 7, 2003, a special event took place on the mountain. Family members of the astronauts, other astronauts, friends, and climbers gathered. They installed a memorial plaque at the summit.
During the event, there was a dedication service for the memorial. An F-16 jet also flew overhead. It performed a "missing man formation." This is a special flyby where one plane leaves the formation. It shows respect for someone who has passed away.
Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton spoke at the dedication. She said that naming Columbia Point was a fitting tribute. It honored the shuttle's last journey and the heroes who explored space.
The plaque placed on the summit has a special message. It reads:
COLUMBIA POINT, 13,980'
In Memory of the Crew of Shuttle Columbia
President George W. Bush
Seven who died accepting the risk,
Expanding humankind's horizons
February 1, 2003
"Mankind is led into the darkness beyond
our world by the inspiration of discovery
and the longing to understand. Our
journey into space will go on."
Past Names of the Mountain
Before its official name, Columbia Point had other informal names.
- Columbia Point – 2003 (Official name)
- East Summit
- Kat Carson Mountain
