Exploration and History of Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula, with its rugged terrain and rich history, was one of the last areas in the continental U.S. to be explored. Named by a British Mariner in 1788, the Olympic Mountains were thought to be a fitting home for Greek gods. Mount Olympus, the highest peak, is home to the Blue Glacier, the lowest altitude glacier in the U.S. Exploration of the area began in 1885, led by Lieutenant Joseph O'Neill. Despite initial views of the land as impractical, President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1909, and later, FDR established the Olympic National Park, preserving over a million acres of wilderness.

What makes the Olympic Peninsula unique in terms of exploration history?

• It was the first place explored by pioneers.

• It was explored by pioneers in the 1600s.

• It was one of the last places explored by white pioneers in the continental U.S.

• It was never explored by pioneers.

Why did the British Mariner name the mountains the Olympic Mountains?

• Because they were the tallest in the world.

• Because they were covered in gold.

• Because they seemed like a perfect dwelling for Greek gods.

• Because they were easy to climb.

What is significant about the Blue Glacier?

• It is the highest glacier in the world.

• It is the largest glacier in the U.S.

• It is the lowest altitude glacier in the U.S.

• It is the fastest moving glacier.

How long did it take explorers to map the Olympic Peninsula?

• One month

• Three months

• Six months

• A year

What was Lieutenant Joseph O'Neill's opinion about the Olympic Peninsula?

• He considered it ideal for urban development.

• He believed it was perfect for agriculture.

• He thought it was useless for practical purposes.

• He found it to be a valuable resource.

Who designated the area as Mount Olympus National Monument?

• President George Washington

• President Abraham Lincoln

• President Theodore Roosevelt

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt

What percentage of the Olympic National Park remains wild?

• 95%

• 50%

• 100%

• 75%