DescriptionThe highest peak in the Gallatin Range, located just inside the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, Electric Peak was named by Henry Gannett, who encountered a severe lightning storm while climbing in July 1872. Gannett was a geographer and future president of the National Geographic Society. According to a USGS report by Ferdinand V. Hayden: “A thunder-shower was approaching as we neared the summit of the mountain. I was above the others of the party, and, when about fifty feet below the summit, the electric current began to pass through my body. At first I felt nothing, but heard a crackling noise, similar to a rapid discharge of sparks from a friction machine. Immediately after, I began to feel a tingling or prickling sensation in my head and the ends of my fingers, which, as well as the noise, increased rapidly, until, when I reached the top, the noise, which had not changed its character, was deafening, and my hair stood completely on end, while the tingling, pricking sensation was absolutely painful. . . . I started down again, and met the others twenty-five or thirty feet below the summit. They were affected similarly, but in a less degree.” Personal NamesGannett, HenryHayden, Ferdinand V.Contributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation10.992 ft.CountyPark County
