John Wesley Powell was born in New York on 24 March 1834. His parents eventually moved to Ohio and experienced trouble because of their antislavery beliefs. Because of this trouble, Powell left school and began studying with "Big George" Crookham, a local naturalist. Crookham taught Powell about biology, geology, and archaeology with his vast collection of plants, animals, rocks, and artifacts.

In 1846, Powell's family moved to rural Wisconsin to start a farm. Their farm was located close to several forests, meadows, and streams where a young Powell would play. His first encounter with Native Americans happened when members of the Winnebago Tribe camped near their farm and explained how the Powell's land used to be part of their hunting grounds. This encounter fascinated Powell and began his lifelong study and appreciation of Native Americans and the study of ethnology.

After attending college in Illinois, Powell served in the Civil War. He lost his right arm in the line of duty and fell back to a rear position. After the war, Powell became a professor and was well liked due to his interactive teaching style and frequent field trips. During this time, he also traveled and gave many lectures promoting advancements in science.

In 1869, John Wesley Powell led his first exploration down the Colorado River through what would later be known as the Grand Canyon. This was a very tough journey through uncharted territory and unpredictable rivers. They were sent out to map and survey the river and the canyon. Several of their boats capsized and were torn apart by the wild rapids in the canyon. This trip provided the first glimpses of this area and was a valuable asset for the USGS.

Powell's second trip through the Grand Canyon occurred in 1871. This trip was much more successful due to Powell's experience and knowledge of certain river sections. His crew included several scientists and even a photographer with literally a ton of equipment. This expedition brought back not only excellent specimens and photographs, but a new understanding of geologic principles and better explanations of erosion, sedimentation, and uplift that would forever change modern geology.

The Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research wishes to carry on John Wesley Powell's tradition of bold scientific inquiry and his practice of working with many different people to help advance all people. Through collaborative efforts we are still investigating his Grand Canyon and the ecological interactions of all peoples on the Colorado Plateau.