White settlers arriving in the 1800s also noted the landmark. In 1903, I.C. Russell was the first geologist to study the butte and speculated that it erupted as recently as 150 years ago.
In the 1800s, white settlers noticed the landmark.  In 1903, geologist I.C. Russell became the first person to study the butte and suggested it might have erupted just 150 years prior.