"Eugene M. Elwell homesteaded 160 acres in sections. 5 and 6, T. 1 N.,
R. 21 E. in 1887 -- all of Tiltill Valley. The valley was said to have
been named by Elwell. (Farquhar files:
Versteeg from Col. Benson.) The meaning of the
name is unknown. Lt. McClure had the valley named on his 1895 map, and
added the creek's name to his 1896 map. The mountain's name was ratified
by the BGN in 1932; it is first seen on the Tower
Peak quad, 1956."
- Peter Browning, Yosemite Place Names