The Smithsonian Institution Shelter, also known as the Mount Whitney Summit Shelter and the Mount Whitney Hut, is a historic building located on the summit plateau of Mount Whitney in California's Sierra Nevada. Built in 1909, it serves as the highest permanent structure in the Contiguous United States, offering a glimpse into the early days of high-altitude scientific research.
Funded by the Smithsonian Institution and constructed with the assistance of the Lick Observatory, this rustic shelter was originally used for scientific studies on high-altitude phenomena, including spectroscopic observations of Mars. Despite its historical significance, hikers are cautioned against seeking refuge there during lightning storms, highlighting its dual role as a shelter and a testament to early scientific exploration.
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