The scene that B.F. Loomis was confronted with on May 22, 1915, in the "Devastated Area."/B.F. Loomis
It was a century ago that the volcanic underpinnings of Lassen Peak rose to the surface and blew the top off the mountain that today is the centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California.
On May 22, 1915, a large explosive eruption of Lassen Peak brought national attention that set the stage for the establishment of Lassen Volcanic National Park on August 9, 1916.
'In honor of the 100th anniversary, we have a weekend full of activities planned, from a commemoration celebration to campfire talks,' said Superintendent Steve Gibbons. 'We are excited to share stories of Lassen's eruptive past with our visitors over the Memorial Day weekend.'
California Congressman John E. Raker had tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill to establish what he originally called Peter Lassen National Park. Just one-seventh the size of Yosemite National Park and lacking a transcontinental railroad for development and promotion, Lassen was not considered monumental enough.
But Lassen Peak's 1914 and 1915 eruptions, especially the eruption captured in a series of six photos by Benjamin F. Loomis, changed everything. Excited geologists, volcano enthusiasts, California business organizations, and civic associations generated a new wave of support and Raker successfully ushered the bill through the U.S. Senate. President Wilson signed the Lassen Volcanic National Park Act on August 9, 1916.
Less dramatic eruptive activity continued on Lassen Peak into the 1920s, and the volcano continued to draw attention to the fledging national park. As visitors came to witness the volcanic power of the steaming giant, they began to discover the park's numerous other highlights including its hydrothermal areas, access to four different types of volcanoes found in the world, and countless lakes and streams offering numerous opportunities for recreation enthusiasts, like you.
Following Lassen's formal dedication in 1931, which coincided with the completion of the park highway, visitation grew steadily each year, to where it now stands at about 432,000 visitors a year.
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