In October 1941, George Hopkins, a daring parachutist, embarked on an unforgettable adventure that captured the nation’s attention. What started as a $50 bet turned into a six-day ordeal atop Devils Tower, a natural and national monument in Wyoming. This is the story of one man’s stunt, a rescue mission, and the media frenzy that followed.
The Daredevil: Who Was George Hopkins?
George Hopkins wasn’t just any thrill-seeker. A seasoned parachutist and stuntman, he had already set multiple records, including jumps from burning planes for Hollywood films. Known for his audacity, he accepted a bet to parachute onto Devils Tower, a flat-topped monolith standing over 1,200 feet tall.
Without notifying the National Park Service (it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission, right?) Hopkins meticulously planned his leap. His confidence paid off with a flawless landing. However, his preparations to get down went hilariously and disastrously awry.
What Went Wrong?
Hopkins’ daring plan hinged on an air-dropped bundle of supplies, including a 1,000-foot rope, to facilitate his descent from Devils Tower. Before his leap, he coordinated with a pilot to deliver these essentials, which also included a sledgehammer and a sharpened car axle as part of a backup escape strategy.
However, the narrow summit—barely an acre wide (an acre is a little smaller than a football field)—made aerial delivery risky. The crucial bundle containing the long rope missed the summit entirely, tumbling down the tower’s vertical sides. Fortunately, somehow the sledgehammer and axle did land on target.
With no 1,000-foot rope in hand, Hopkins turned to his backup plan. Using a shorter rope he had on the summit, he attempted to rappel by hammering the car axle into the rock face. However, the rope fell far short of reaching the ground. Stranded without a feasible way down, Hopkins remained marooned atop Devils Tower.
The Media Circus: Why It Captivated America
In 1941, with World War II looming, the nation was hungry for distractions. Hopkins’ predicament provided just that. Newspapers and newsreels broadcast daily updates. Thousands of spectators flocked to Devils Tower, creating a spectacle unlike anything the monument had seen.
Political cartoons also jumped on the moment. One from the Chicago Tribune used the event to critique America’s isolationist stance, likening the country’s fixation on Hopkins to its reluctance to engage with the European war.
The Rescue Mission: Enter Jack Durrance
After multiple failed attempts to aid Hopkins—including dropping additional ropes and even a request for whiskey—the National Park Service enlisted Jack Durrance, a skilled climber and Dartmouth student who had previously scaled Devils Tower.
Despite harsh weather and primitive climbing gear (hemp ropes and no helmets), Durrance and his team scaled the monolith. After six days, they reached Hopkins, who, remarkably, was in good spirits, thanks in part to supply drops that included his requested whiskey.
The descent was a risky operation, but Durrance’s expertise ensured a safe return for all.
The Aftermath: A Stunt for the Ages
Once on solid ground, Hopkins’ first request? His $50. The stunt brought an estimated 7,000 visitors to Devils Tower and turned Hopkins into a minor celebrity. However, the National Park Service wasn’t thrilled about the unauthorized stunt, and the incident prompted discussions about protecting natural landmarks.
Legacy and Lessons
Today, Devils Tower is recognized not only for its stunning geology but also for its cultural and spiritual significance to Native American tribes. Modern regulations and a greater emphasis on conservation ensure that such stunts remain in the past.
Hopkins’ escapade reminds us of a time when one man’s daring could unite a nation, spark debate, and highlight the enduring allure of the wild.
Key Takeaways / tl;dnr
- Who: George Hopkins, parachutist and stuntman.
- What: Parachuted onto Devils Tower for a $50 bet, got stranded.
- When: October 1941.
- Why: For fame, adrenaline, and a bit of cash.
- How: Rescued by climber Jack Durrance after six days.
Hopkins’ tale is a humorous yet profound reminder of humanity’s ever-present thirst for adventure—and the unforeseen consequences that come with it.
Dotterer, Abby. “A Stuntman’s Jump: Parachutist Stranded for Days on Devils Tower | WyoHistory.org.” WyoHistory.org, Wyoming Historical Society, 23 July 2019, https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/stuntmans-jump-parachutist-stranded-days-devils-tower. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
“Parachutist George Hopkins – Devils Tower National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).” National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 9 June 2016, https://www.nps.gov/deto/learn/historyculture/first-fifty-years-george-hopkins.htm. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Higher Learning. “That Time a Guy Parachuted Onto Devils Tower and No One Could Figure Out How to Get Him Down.” YouTube, 6 Nov. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KzXKTnE3x4. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
History Hunters. “The 1941 Daredevil Jump onto Devils Tower.” YouTube, 14 Oct. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q65e_z-vQc. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Serena, Katie. “When George Hopkins Got Stranded On Devils Tower For 6 Days After Parachuting Onto It.” AllThatsInteresting.com, All That’s Interesting, 24 May 2018, https://allthatsinteresting.com/george-hopkins-devils-tower. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.