Mike Anderson, historian, took us on a journey back in time during a special shuttle ride west on the Hermit Road.
Lt. Joseph Christmas Ives traveled by steam boat 350 miles (563 km) up the Colorado River in the 1850s. After the boat was wrecked on rocks he and the crew hiked up to the South Rim. Ives’ report to the Army stated, “The region is of course altogether valueless. Ours has been the first, and will doubtless be the last, party of whites to visit this profitless locality."
John Wesley Powell journeyed down the Green and Colorado River in 1869 and again during 1871-72. He led the first known successful navigation and scientific exploration of the river.
El Tovar on far left and Kolb Studio on right
By 1905 the Santa Fe Railroad reached the South Rim, the Kolb brothers opened their photographic studio, and El Tovar Hotel and Verkamp’s Store opened.
President Theodore Roosevelt established Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908 and in 1919 Congress passed the bill making Grand Canyon a National Park.
Each time I see your photos I cannot believe the scenery can improve but they just do. The info is all very interesting as well. Have a good weekend. Diane
Interesting!
Profitless you say Mr. Ives. HA!!!
I love the history of any given area. This is priceless. MB
Interesting post and awesome photos of the Grand Canyon!
Mr. Ives needs to return and see it now! "Profitless" hmmm…beautifully preserved…YES!
Canyons rock!!
Gaelyn: I guess after a boat wreck the beauty of the canyon was not seen. Is Mike in awe of all the sights?
I have already profited greatly just by being here! The sights are so amazing! And Yes Tom, I am in awe every day I wake up…
And I am one proud owner of a Grand Canyon Placemat!
My friends in the church were talking about its mystical awesomeness!
Would you mind me if I copy the history? More on the last line paragraph – just for a personal note. I will appreciate to hear from you.
Nature's Gifts.
Hi Gaelyn, Your training actually sounds like fun and so informative. If I get to the Canyon this year, I'll definitely want you as my Ranger Guide!
I was ready the comment by Lt. Ives – suppose some see no value if they do not see gold strew around – but there is so much more to see in the canyon.
I would be interested to know whether you have some photographs or information that can provide insight into the enormity or sheer size of the canyon. I have no idea what area it covers, but have added it to my list of "to do's one day".
ready = reading – mmm blogger changing my words 🙂
Oh ha ha, I guess Ives was too quick with his "altogether valueless" judgement. The Grand Canyon is appreciated and loved by millions upon million of people. 😀
It is a beauitful place. A wonder in our world.
It just goes to show how each persons values are different. I guess he must have been thinking the same about Yellowstones geysers too?
Profit less… Ja sure. Now it is one of the USA's greatest natural treasures.
Ps, how did you add the social media link gadget at the end> I have found a few but because I don't know html code haven't been able to add it in.
I would much rather do your training that the blah-blah training we do at our school orientations….yours sounds so much more interesting…
Mike's kind of cute, too…!
I am so happy that someone thought ahead to make these National Parks so we just don't have a landscape with condos or something….