Centennial Bluffs July 4th, 1876

On July 4th 1876, the town of Coleville along with the other residents of Antelope Valley gathered for a 4th of July celebration. The highlight of this event that would make history was when three men, John Connell, Wood Larson and one of the Cole Brothers carried a locust pole to the summit, anchored it firmly in a crevice and raised the American Flag. The cheers of the crowd from 700 feet below drifted up to what was thereafter known as Centennial Bluffs.

This photo is of a monument placed in 1951 commemorating the raising of the original flag on July 4th, 1876.

History is made once again!

On July 2nd 2011 at 6:30 AM, Tim & Mary Fesko and Bill Koch started their ascent to this historic flag pole. After many stops for photos and a strenuous and tough 1.8 mile hike, the trio arrived at the summit. At 8:30 AM, a new flag was raised with onlookers from below at the Meadowcliff Lodge and RV Resort.  

On July 4th 2010, another traditional Independence Day began as usual. However, something was about to happen that would make this anything but usual. At 6:30 AM, Tim Fesko and Jeff Mallon started their ascent to this historic flag pole. After a strenuous 1.8 mile hike up tough, and at some times, almost straight up climbing, they arrived at the peak. At 8:10 AM, a new flag was raised to the cheers of many onlookers from the Meadowcliff Lodge and RV Resort. Many of the Meadowcliff Restaurant patrons had also gathered outside to cheer the raising of this historic ceremony. 

These photos show the flag immediately after it's raising and Tim & Jeff after the hike

Click on any photo for an enlarged view of it!