Stories

Desert Bighorn Sheep Ewe

NPS VIP Carla DeKalb

Are you curious about some of the stories and traditions that take place in the monument? These pages will introduce you to them, starting with the 4th of July flag raising. Over time, we will expand these pages to highlight stories about the people, animals, and plants that are a part of the monument.

 

4th of July Flag Raising

This tradition started with John Otto in 1911. Every year, climbers ascend Independence Monument to raise the U.S. Flag. Read the story of this tradition here.