John Wesley Powell Memorial   Save
Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: Scientist and explorer of the American West, John Wesley Powell moved from New York to Jackson with his family in 1838 and lived here until 1846. He developed an early interest in geology from his tutor "Big" George Crookham, a Jackson salt boiler, educator, and abolitionist. Powell served in the Union Army during the Civil War and lost his right arm at Shiloh in 1862. Later he became professor of geology at Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1869, he led a nine-man expedition in the first exploration of the entire length of the Colorado River, providing the first scientific description of the Grand Canyon. Subsequently Powell helped found the U.S. Geological Survey and served as its director from 1881 to 1894. Photo taken by WPA between 1939-1943. Historical marker erected in 2001 View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: SA1039AV_B15F04_002_001_001
Subjects: Civil War; Geology; Colorado River; Exploration; Military; American Legion
Places: Jackson (Ohio); Jackson County (Ohio)