1898-1976

American mountaineer who pioneered all-female climbing expeditions. Considered the best American female mountain climber of her time, Underhill often ascended peaks without guides. After preliminary climbs of the Alps and North American Rockies, Underhill organized all-female ascents of the Aiguille de Grépon (in 1929) and Matterhorn (in 1932) with skilled climbers belonging to the Groupe de Haute Montagne. In addition to accompanying her husband, Robert Underhill, on climbs, she wrote Give Me the Hills (1956), contributed to National Geographic, and edited Appalachia magazine.