John Wesley Powell and party in the Grand Canyon

Painting by Henry C. Pitz showing John Wesley Powell and his party going through the Grand Canyon, presumably during the historic 1869 Colorado River expedition. The 1869 expedition gave to Powell and his party the distinction of being the first to travel the entire distance of the Colorado River, a remarkable feat that many had formerly believed impossible. A curious footnote to history is the rival claim of Lt. James White, who contended that he had preceded Powell's journey. However, most historians have found Lt. White's story incredible. 

Handwritten notes on back of painting:  Powell and party in the Grand Canyon, presumably during the historic Colorado Expedition of 1869.