PLEBES CLIMB HERNDON MONUMENT TO OFFICIALLY BECOME 4TH CLASS

In 1998, the Naval Academy instituted Sea Trials to culminate Plebe year. However, the defining moment that ends Plebe year is still the climbing of Herndon monument. The ceremony originated sometime before 1800 when the Plebes celebrated their newfound freedom from the rigors of  fourth- class status by rushing from Dahlgren Hall to the monument. The actual climbing of the greased monument began around 1955. Until 1979, the lawn around the monument was also rototilled and soaked with water and crankcase grease, which made it very messy indeed!

The monument has withstood the trauma year after year. It was erected in 1859 to memorialize Cdr. William L. Herndon, lost with the mail steamer Central America in a fierce storm off Cape Hatteras in 1857. Legend has it that the Plebe to reach the top of the monument will be the first in the class to make the rank of admiral. Although the legend has yet to prove itself, the spirit of the tradition thrives.

MONUMENT CLIMB TIMES

(Add 3 years to the dates for the Class Year)

1973 1:50

1974 :46

1975 1:30

1976 :59

1977 2:33

1978 1:22

1979 2:09

1980 2:43

1981 1:00

1982 1:44

1983 1:43:55

1984 2:22:00

1985 3:12:23

1986 1:23:07

1987 1:51:20

1988 43:44

1989 1:55:30

1990 1:34:50

1991 2:36:57

1992 2:21:37

1993 1:38:20

1994 1:44:20

1995 4:05:17

1996 2:08:46

1997 2:55:17

1998 2:22:59

1999  2:07:40

2000 1:19:44

2001 2:15:52

2002 2:7:41


First Recorded Time - 1962....00:03:00

Fastest to Date - 1969....00:01:30

The Upper Classmen responsible for coating Herndon with lard decided that a layer of chicken wire under the coating would retain more lard.

It did, but offered terrific handholds to the enterprising Plebes, hence the rapid climb.

Fastest competitive time - 2000.....1:19:44

Slowest to Date - 1995...04:05:17