Adopted 6 January 1949 as labelled on British Admiralty Chart 580, 1864 et seq, and on Robert Brown's 1864 map showing the results of his Vancouver Island Exploration Expedition, and as labelled on provincial map 2C, 1919 et seq.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

"Named in 1864 by Captain G.H.Richards, RN, after Rear Admiral John Washington, FRS, Hydrographer of the British Navy 1855-63. Born 1800; entered the navy 1812, on board the Junon, on which he served during the operations in the Chesapeake. In 1814 joined the Royal Navy college; graduated May 1816 with the gold medal for proficiency in mathematics. Promoted to lieutenant 1 January 1821 when serving on the South American station, and being in Valparaiso, returned to England by what was then an adventurous journey across the Andes to Buenos Aires. Appointed Commander 1833. Served as secretary of Royal Geographical Society 1836-41, and with the assistance of one clerk did the whole work of the society, the success of which in early days was largely due to his energy and devotion. Commanded the Shearwater in 1841, surveying the east coast of England, and promoted to captain 1842. Acted for several years as assistant to Sir Francis Beaufort, the Hydrographer, and on Beaufort's resignation in 1855, was appointed his successor. Washington held this office until his death, being promoted to Rear Admiral 12 April 1862..... Died at Havre, Switzerland 16 September 1863, while on holiday."

Source: Walbran, John T; British Columbia Coast Names, 1592-1906: their origin and history; Ottawa, 1909 (republished for the Vancouver Public Library by J.J. Douglas Ltd, Vancouver, 1971)

Allan Brooks, Comox naturalist and wildlife artist of the 1930's, advises that this mountain, when viewed from Comox, actually has the profile of US president George Washington!

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office