Long Gables facts for kids
The Long Gables are two very tall mountain peaks in Antarctica. They are like twin giants, standing high in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. These peaks are very impressive, reaching heights of about 4,150 meters (that's over 13,600 feet!) and 4,110 meters. They are connected by a lower ridge. You can find them between Mount Anderson and Mount Viets.
These peaks stand above several glaciers. To the southeast, you'll find the Burdenis Glacier. To the east is the Gerila Glacier, and to the northeast, the Fonfon Glacier.
Discovering the Long Gables
These amazing peaks were first seen by a group of explorers in 1957–58. This group was called the Marie Byrd Land Traverse party, and they were led by Charles R. Bentley. They were exploring a part of Antarctica called Marie Byrd Land.
The Long Gables were named after two brothers, William E. Long and Jack B. Long. Jack Long was actually part of the discovery team! He spent many years exploring Antarctica and doing important research, traveling across the snow and helping with scientific studies. His brother, William 'Bill' Long, was also a brave explorer.
Exploring Antarctica's Tallest Peaks
William 'Bill' Long was part of a very important journey in 1966. This was the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition. This team achieved something incredible: they were the first people to climb many of the tallest mountains in the area.
On January 12, 1967, this expedition successfully climbed the Long Gables. They also made the first ascents of other famous peaks, including Mount Vinson, Mount Shinn, Mount Gardner, Mount Tyree, and Mount Ostenso. These climbs were major achievements in exploring the icy continent of Antarctica.
