Existing comment:
Grand Canyon Vista
Many of the topographic features at Grand Canyon bear names like Vishnu and Wotan, after prominent figures in literature, philosophy or religion. This practice of "heroic nomenclature" was begun in the 1880s by Clarence Dutton, one of the first geologists to work at Grand Canyon. With a personal interest in Eastern philosophy and religion, Dutton saw similarities between these fantastic erosional features and the temples of India and China.
Francois Matthes, responsible for the topographic mapping efforts undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey at Grand Canyon from 1902-1923, continued this practice. Today these heroic names are scattered throughout Grand Canyon.
Vishnu Temple
Coronado Butte
Horseshoe Mesa -- Distance 6.5 miles 10.5km
Red Butte -- Distance 22 miles 35km
Wotans Throne -- Distance 1.5 iles 2.4km |