Mount Stevenson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Stevenson
Mount Stevenson Location in Wyoming
Highest point
Elevation	10,230 ft (3,120 m)
Geography
Location	Yellowstone National Park, Park County, Wyoming, US
Parent range	Absaroka Range
Topo map	Sylvan Lake

Mount Stevenson is a tall mountain peak located in the Absaroka Range within Yellowstone National Park. It stands at about 10,230 feet (3,118 meters) high. This impressive mountain was named in 1871 during an important expedition that explored the Yellowstone area.

The Story Behind the Name

Mount Stevenson was named by a famous geologist named Ferdinand Hayden. He named it after his good friend and main helper, James Stevenson (1840–1888). This happened during the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871, which was a big trip to map and study Yellowstone.

Who Was James Stevenson?

James Stevenson had an adventurous spirit from a young age. He first met Ferdinand Hayden in 1853 during an exploration trip. In 1866, Stevenson started working for Hayden and continued to do so until 1879. Hayden often praised Stevenson's loyalty and hard work in his reports.

Hayden's Special Tribute

In his 1872 report about the 1871 survey of Yellowstone, Hayden wrote about James Stevenson. He wanted to make sure Stevenson's contributions were remembered.

My principal assistant, Mr. James Stevenson, worked with his usual skill and loyalty throughout the whole trip. To honor his great help, not just this past season, but for over twelve years of constant hard work as my assistant, often without pay, and with little of the scientific recognition that usually comes to the first explorer, I wanted one of the main islands of the lake and one of the noble peaks reflected in its clear waters to carry his name forever.

– F. V. Hayden, 1872

This quote shows how much Hayden valued Stevenson. Besides the mountain, Stevenson Island on Yellowstone Lake is also named after James Stevenson.