Discovery Mount St. Helens Eruption, May 18, 1980 Scott Admin posted on 3 years ago — updated on 1 second ago 308 views On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens became the largest and most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. By the end of its cycle of fire and fury, 57 people had died. history discovery smithsonian volcanos eruption Mount St. Helens Scott Follow Author, educator, musician, dancer and all around creative type. Founder of "The Happy Now" website and the online jewelry store "Silver and Sage".