The peak was named by members of the Whitney Survey in honor of Benjamin Silliman, professor of chemistry at Yale College.

Besides the mountain and crest, there are a pass, a creek, a meadow and a lake that bear the name Silliman.

[3] The first recorded ascent was by Clarence King, James Gardiner, Richard Cotter, and William Brewer on June 28, 1864.

[3] The summit can be approached by way of the Twin Lakes trail from the Lodgepole Campground on the Generals Highway.

From Sillman Pass traverse (class 2) to the east ridge and follow it to the summit.