Mount Constitution Explained

Mount Constitution
Elevation Ft:2399
Prominence Ft:2407
Location:Orcas Island, San Juan County, Washington, U.S.
Coordinates:48.6776°N -122.8312°W

Mount Constitution is a mountain on Orcas Island, the highest point in the San Juan Islands and the second highest mountain on an ocean island in the contiguous 48 states. Only Devils Peak in the Channel Islands of California is higher.[1]

A stone observation tower patterned after a medieval watch tower stands 52feet above the summit, which is 2400feet above sea level.[2] It was designed by architect Ellsworth Storey and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.[3] The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, and many Canadian and American cities.[2] On a clear day, the view encompasses locations as diverse as Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Saturna Island, and the cities of Vancouver, and Victoria, British Columbia. Mount Constitution lies within the 50001NaN1 Moran State Park.

The prominence was named by Charles Wilkes during the Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842 for the .[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. 151030 . USA 48-States Island High Points above 500 feet . January 17, 2013.
  2. News: McCleary . Kathleen . September 5, 2003 . Salty Breezes. Great Views. This Is Mass Transit? . . February 13, 2024.
  3. Web site: Oldham . Kit . October 29, 2005 . Civilian Conservation Corps begins building an observation tower on Mount Constitution, Orcas Island, in August 1935. . . February 13, 2024.
  4. Book: Majors, Harry M. . Exploring Washington . Van Winkle Publishing Co . 1975 . 23 . 978-0-918664-00-6.