John Otto Climbs Independence Monument

John Otto Unfurls Old Glory Atop Independence Monument

Rob, Brian, and CJ toast John Otto and his marvelous pipe route on the summit of Independence Monument.

Photo © Stewart M. Green

By Flag Day in mid-June, 1911, John Otto had completed his pipe ladder. That morning an honor guard carried a new American flag to Otto, who waited at the base of the Independence Monument. After receiving the flag, he scrambled up the pipe route to the summit, lashed the flag to a metal pole, and hoisted it over the northern edge of the summit. People below cheered both the flag and John Otto as Old Glory flapped in the summer breeze. A rain squall passed overhead as Otto began descending his pipe ladder and spectators below gaped as he cautiously stepped down the slippery rungs.

Index: John Otto Climbs Independence Monument

1. Colorado National Monument
2. The Monument's Geology
3. John Otto: Father of Colorado National Monument
4. John Otto Loved the American Flag
5. John Otto's Ladder of Pipes
6. The Grand Junction Daily News Reports on Otto's Feat
7. John Otto Unfurls Old Glory Atop Independence Monument
8. Climbing Otto's Route Today