Kendall Vanhook Bumpass facts for kids
Our guide [Mr. K.V. Bumpass,] after cautioning us to be careful where we stepped... broke through the crust and plunged his leg into the boiling mud beneath, which clinging to his limb burned him severely. If our guide had been a profane man I think he would have cursed a little; as it was, I think his silence was owing to his inability to do the subject justice...
Kendall VanHook Bumpass (born November 6, 1809 – died 1885) was a cowboy and an early explorer in California. He is famous because of a painful accident that happened in 1865. While exploring a volcanic area, he stepped into a super hot mud pool. This accident caused him to lose his leg.
The place where this happened was later named "Bumpass Hell" after him. Today, you can find this amazing geothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.
Who Was Kendall Bumpass?
Kendall VanHook Bumpass was born in 1809. He lived during a time when many people were moving west in the United States. He became known as a cowboy and an early settler. This means he was one of the first people to live and work in new areas, helping to build communities.
His Big Adventure in 1865
In 1865, Kendall Bumpass was exploring a part of California that had a lot of geothermal activity. This means the ground was heated by hot rocks deep inside the Earth. There were boiling mud pots and steam vents everywhere.
While he was guiding others, he warned them to be careful where they walked. But then, he accidentally stepped on a thin crust of earth. It broke, and his leg plunged into the boiling mud underneath. The hot mud caused severe burns. Because of these injuries, he had to have his leg removed.
What is Bumpass Hell?
The area where Kendall Bumpass had his accident was a very active geothermal spot. It was full of bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and hot springs. After his painful experience, the place became known as "Bumpass Hell."
Today, Bumpass Hell is a popular attraction in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Visitors can walk on boardwalks to see the amazing natural features safely. It's a reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the adventures of early explorers like Kendall Bumpass.
