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 philosohy
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.
[Features in picture, from left to right]
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
