The Grand Canyon is one of the true natural wonders of North America. If you've ever been on a Grand Canyon tour, then you've witnessed the awe-inspiring majesty and indelible impression this landmark leaves on its visitors. But its history is just as fascinating as its sweeping vistas. Below is a brief guide to the Grand Canyon through the ages. 

The Origins of the Grand Canyon 

Formation

Over millions of years, the Grand Canyon was formed by erosion. The Colorado River, still visible as a small silver ribbon at the heart of the Canyon, weaved methodically through the many layers of rock to create the massive gorge you can see today on a Grand Canyon tour. From rocks and mud to sands and volcanic ash, the remnants of the Colorado River cutting through the region are hallmarks of specific periods in the Canyon's formation.

Native Populations

Approximately 10,000 years ago, Paleoindians hunted throughout the Grand Canyon. Until about 1,000 B.C., hunter-gatherers called the area home. Around 500 A.D., the ancestral Puebloan people settled the Canyon and stayed for 700 years, before a drought forced them to relocate. In the 1300s, other Native populations, including the Navajo and the Diné, settled in the Grand Canyon.

European Exploration

European explorers first came to the Grand Canyon in the sixteenth century, and subsequent exploration was sporadic over the next few hundred years. The first American explorer to come to the area was thought to be a Kentucky trapper named James Ohio Pattie in 1926. In the 1850s, Lieutenant Joseph Ives explored the Canyon and concluded that it was without value or profit. John Wesley Powell conducted the first in-depth explorations of the canyon starting in 1869; nearby Lake Powell is named for him.

Mining

In the 1870s and 1880s, lead, zinc, and copper were discovered in the Grand Canyon. However, mining never really flourished because of the danger involved in harvesting these materials. Those who came to the Canyon seeking fortune in mining instead turned their attention to tourism, and the Canyon was declared a National Park in 1919.

 

Experience the rich history and stunning wonders of this area by taking a Grand Canyon tour. The team at Laughlin Tours offers a variety of excursions in Nevada. Their roster includes several Grand Canyon tour options, as well as visits to Route 66, Oatman, the Hoover Dam, and wine and brewery tours. Whether you're coming to the Canyon for a day or a week, this tour company in Laughlin has a sightseeing adventure for you. Call (702) 420-5345 or visit them online to reserve a spot.