Its more widely used name, Tuttle Creek Ashram, was given to it by the United States Forest Service.

Their Native American friend told them that the spiritual center of the country was near its highest point, and Alaska was not considered a state yet.

[1][2] The Merrell-Wolffs decided to use the camping area as a summer school for their organization, the Assembly of Man, which they had recently created.

Merrell-Wolff asked the United States Forest Service for a special use permit and was told that a permanent structure would have to be created.

[1][2] The Assembly of Man and the Merrell-Wolffs were able to secure their permit in 1930, but construction did not start until 1939 because leveling the site took time.

It was nearly finished, but Sherifa, the main leader of the project, became unable to reach the site, so construction was paused in 1951 before windows and doors were installed.