It was named after Josiah Whitney, the California State Geologist in 1864.

Mount Whitney got it's name from U.S geologist Josiah .D. Whitney who surveyed it in 1864.

On August 18, 1873, Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Lucas became the first to climb Mount Whitney.

Eli Whitney had two younger brothers, and also a younger sister. His brothers were named Josiah and Ben, and his sister was Elizabeth.

Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m). It is locted in the state of California. In July 1864 it was named for Josiah Whitney, then the State Geologist of California.