Special anniversary for a NW climbing icon

May 01, 2013

(Photo courtesy of State Archives’ State Governors’ Negative Collection)

You don’t need to be a mountain climber to recognize and appreciate Jim and Lou Whittaker. The twins and Seattle natives are Northwest icons for their climbing achievements spanning more than five decades. This week marks a special anniversary for Jim Whittaker. It was on May 1, 1963, when Whittaker became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak at 29,028 feet. The photo above shows Jim Whittaker shaking hands with Gov. Al Rosellini as the governor hands him a “Distinguished Citizen” certificate commemorating his successful summit of Everest. Whittaker scaled the Himalayan peak with his climbing partner on that expedition, Sherpa Nawang Gombu. The photo comes from the State Archives’ State Governors’ Negative Collection, 1949-1975.
(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

OSOS Websites

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.