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Where did the name "Mount St. Helens" come from?

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78

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Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Jessica Robertson. Today's question mixes science and history.

Where did the name "Mount St. Helens" come from?

The modern name Mount St. Helens was given to the volcanic peak located in Washington state in 1792 by British Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver, who was a seafarer and explorer. He named it in honor of a fellow countryman, Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title Baron St. Helens and was at the time the British Ambassador to Spain. Vancouver also named three other volcanoes in the Cascades. They were Mounts Baker, Hood, and Rainier, which were all named after British naval officers.

And now you know. Join us again every weekday for a new CoreFact. For other CoreFacts, or for CoreCast, our in-depth science podcast, go to usgs.gov/podcasts. If you'd like to have a question featured on our show, give us an email at corefacts@usgs.gov or a phone call at 703-648-5600. Remember, long distance fees do apply.

CoreFacts is a product of the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior.

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