Also called “Great Gray Horn” & “Bear’s Tipi,” this site in the Western U.S. was made a national monument in 1906

The Final Jeopardy clue for Friday, May 16, 2025, came from the category “National Monuments.” Contestants were challenged with the following: “Also called ‘Great Gray Horn’ & ‘Bear’s Tipi,’ this site in the Western U.S. was made a national monument in 1906.”

What is Devils Tower?

Located in northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower is a striking geological feature that rises more than 1,200 feet above the surrounding plains. It was designated as the first U.S. national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. The monument’s towering columnar structure is made of igneous rock and is widely regarded as an iconic symbol of the American West. While it attracts climbers and tourists from around the world, its cultural and spiritual importance predates its federal designation.

Indigenous Names and Cultural Heritage

The site known today as Devils Tower holds deep significance for several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and Kiowa. These communities have their own names for the formation—such as “Bear’s Tipi” and “Mato Tipila” (meaning “Bear Lodge” or “Bear’s House” in Lakota)—that reflect oral traditions and legends passed down through generations. The name “Great Gray Horn” is another example of the many Indigenous interpretations of the monument’s towering appearance.

According to one prominent Native legend, the tower was formed when a group of children being chased by bears prayed to the Great Spirit for help. The ground beneath them rose to the sky, lifting them out of harm’s way. The bears clawed at the sides of the rock, leaving deep vertical striations that are still visible today. These stories continue to play a central role in spiritual ceremonies and cultural observances at the site.

Scientific Formation and Geological Significance

From a scientific perspective, Devils Tower is considered a classic example of an igneous intrusion. It is believed to have formed around fifty million years ago during the Paleocene Epoch. The monument consists primarily of phonolite porphyry, a rare volcanic rock. Its distinctive columns, formed by the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface, have long fascinated geologists.

Although much about its formation is still under study, most scientists agree that erosion over millions of years removed the softer sedimentary rock surrounding the tower, exposing the harder volcanic core. Its unique hexagonal columns and dramatic vertical relief make it a landmark not only in physical geography but also in the history of geoscience education.

Presidential Designation and Conservation History

When President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devils Tower a national monument in 1906, it marked the beginning of a new era of conservation in the United States. The Antiquities Act, passed that same year, gave presidents the authority to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features. Devils Tower was the first site protected under this new law, setting a precedent for more than a hundred subsequent designations.

The monument covers over one thousand acres and is managed by the National Park Service. In addition to preserving the formation itself, the site includes grasslands, woodlands, and riparian areas that support diverse wildlife. Efforts have been made over the years to balance conservation, recreation, and respect for Indigenous traditions, especially regarding climbing restrictions during sacred periods.

Continuing Relevance and Public Recognition

Devils Tower remains a well-known symbol in both natural and popular history. It gained additional fame in the 1977 science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where it played a central role in the storyline. Beyond Hollywood, the monument is a prominent feature in textbooks, documentaries, and educational programs focusing on geology, conservation, and Native American heritage.

Today, Devils Tower continues to draw visitors seeking outdoor adventure, cultural understanding, and geological curiosity. It stands as a testament to the country’s evolving relationship with the land and its layered history—recognized not only for its physical grandeur but also for its profound meaning to Indigenous communities. The Final Jeopardy clue on May 16, 2025, spotlighted a national treasure that bridges natural wonder with cultural depth.