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Show I Names Are Approved for Geological Features in Zion National Park Receipt of official approval of the names Kolob Arch ; and Gregory Butte for two outstanding geological features ! located approximately 18 miles southwest of Cedar City ! in Zion National Park was announced today by Superin- i tendent Paul R. Franke. ! Federal surveys of 1870-80 pointed out the grandeur and beauty of the Zion National Park region. Although ? the area was known intimately to early Mormon explorers, i stockmen and hunters, the sci- f entitle study was long delayed. I A few pioneer geologists and sur- i viyors briefly described in gen- j cralized form the volcanoes, lava flows, and canyons as represen-; represen-; tative of the features displayed in areas of convenient access. I j Not until the late twenties of ! the present centurv nd follow- j ing proposals to add the canyons of the Kolob to the park was a i program of adequate systematic mapping and sntific study undertaken un-dertaken of the area. In 1928, the beautiful arch of the Kolob Terrace was first reported by Dr. Herbert E. Gregory and has been on the Geological Survey Topographic Topo-graphic Maps published since ths date. f ' Located at the foot of a hang- ( Ing valley between Timber Top , Mountain and Gregory Butte, the massive natural arch was cut by j wind and water from the salmon colored sandstone which walls ; In the deep canyons and forms the great cliffs at the edge of the Kolob Terrace. Unofficial measurements indicate that the j arch rises to a height of approx- Imately 330 feet from the canyon wall and has a span of about 310 feet at the base. A few years ago several well known mountaineers moun-taineers became Interested In 1 working out a route to the top of the arch or natural bridge. Following several earlier unsuccessful unsuc-cessful attempts by others, the bridge was first climbed August 12, 1953 by Fred D. Ayres, ITo-fessor ITo-fessor of Chemistry at Reed College, Col-lege, rortland. Ore, and A. E. Creswell, a high school science teacher from Oaklands, Ore. There have been several suggestions sug-gestions for naming this natural bridge. After due consideration officials of the National Park Service proposed the name "Kolob "Ko-lob Arch" to the board on geographic geo-graphic names. Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. The board recognized the term "Kolob" Is of significance to local lo-cal pioneer history and for most Utahns Identifies the general lo-cation lo-cation of this natural feature. The name Is appropriate to the locale and should be of value to residents In directing tourists to this section of Zion National Park. Gregory Butte is named for a man who gained International fame in his profession and was best qualified to Interpret the geological story of the colorful "Kolob" area. Dr. Herbert E. Gregory. |