Mount McKinley has the highest summit in all of North America, reaching 20,320 ft. above sea level and is the third tallest peak in the world. Subduction created this massive peak, as the tectonic plates beneath it shifted, lifting it up. Many tried to scale this mountain, and explorer Frederick Cook made a false claim to have climbed it, and the first recorded try was by an Alaska district judge in 1903.
On this day June 6th, in 1913, Mt. McKinley is successfully climbed for the first time. Walter Harper was the first person to make it atop. There were four people who made this journey.
The leader of this group was Hudson Stuck, a missionary, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum who was a theology student. The view they witnessed must have been magnificent, and it was no easy task ascending this giant mountain. In addition to bad weather, there was a fire at their campsite which burned a lot of their supplies and food. As of 2003, over half of climbers succeeded in their ascent, once again proving one’s ability to overcome nature. However, it has also claimed the lives of over 100 people. Mount McKinley, if you’re looking to visit it, is in Alaska.