Spencer Butte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spencer Butte |
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View of Eugene from Skinner Butte, with Spencer Butte in the distance
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 Location in Spencer Butte and Eugene OR
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| Location | South of Eugene, Oregon, USA |
| Coordinates | 43°58′59″N 123°05′45″W / 43.9831°N 123.0957°W ACoordinates: Extra unexpected parameters |
| Range | Cascade Volcanoes |
| Part of | Little Butte Volcanics |
| Highest point | 2,058 feet (627 m) |
| Formed by | Intrusion of lava through sandstone base, and subsequent erosion of sandstone |
| Geology | Butte |
| Age | approximately 23 to 30 million years |
| Orogeny | Phanerozoic orogen |
Spencer Butte is a well-known landmark in Lane County, Oregon, USA. It stands tall on the southern edge of Eugene. The butte reaches a height of 2,058 feet (627 m). From downtown Eugene, it's the tallest point you can see looking south.
Spencer Butte is easy to visit from Spencer Butte Park. There are several hiking trails that lead to its top. Most of the hill is covered with Douglas fir trees. However, the very top of the butte has no trees.
How Spencer Butte Got Its Name
Long ago, the native Kalapuya people lived in this area. They called the butte Champ-a te or Cham-o-tee. These names meant "rattlesnake."
There are a few ideas about how Spencer Butte got its current name. One popular story says it was named after a young English person. This person worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. The story claims he was named Spencer and was killed by the Kalapuya after climbing the hill alone.
Another idea is that the butte was named after John Canfield Spencer. He was the United States Secretary of War at one time. This naming might have happened in July 1845 by Elijah White. However, John C. Spencer was no longer Secretary of War by 1845.
Spencer Butte in Popular Culture
Spencer Butte has even appeared in music! The song "All Of Me Wants All You" mentions Spencer Butte twice. This song is by the artist Sufjan Stevens. It's from his album called Carrie & Lowell. That album also includes a song named "Eugene," after the city. Many other places in Oregon are mentioned in his songs too.
