The arch was given its current name by Frank Beckwith, leader of the Arches National Monument Scientific Expedition, who explored the area in the winter of 1933–1934.
The arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a postage stamp commemorating Utah's centennial anniversary of admission to the Union in 1996.
Other arches in the park were formed the same way but, due to placement and less dramatic shape, are not as famous. ==Ecology== During the summer, white-throated swifts (Aeronautes saxatalis) nest in the top of the arch. ==Controversy== Nature photographer Michael Fatali started a fire under the arch in September 2000 to demonstrate nighttime photography techniques to a group of amateur photographers.
The Olympic torch relay for the 2002 Winter Olympics passed through the arch. ==History== Because of its distinctive shape, the arch was known as "the Chaps" and "the Schoolmarm's Bloomers" by local cowboys.
Fatali was placed on probation and fined $10,900 in restitution to the NPS for the cost of cleanup efforts. In May 2006, climber Dean Potter performed as many as six free solo ascents of the arch.
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Page generated on 2021-08-05