Category: Destination4x4

John Wesley Powell

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John Wesley Powell, a remarkable American explorer, geologist, and ethnologist, was born on March 24, 1834, in Mount Morris, New York. His expeditions through the uncharted territories of the American West not only added to scientific knowledge but also provided invaluable insights into the land’s geological and cultural diversity. Powell’s legacy as a pioneer of exploration and his tireless efforts in promoting conservation measures have left an indelible mark on American history.

Powell served as the second Director of the United States Geological Survey, a post he held from 1881 to 1894. This photograph dates from early in his term of office.
Powell served as the second Director of the United States Geological Survey, a post he held from 1881 to 1894. This photograph dates from early in his term of office.

Early Life and Education

Powell grew up in rural New York, where his love for nature and the outdoors was nurtured from an early age. Although he lost his right arm in a childhood accident, Powell’s determination and thirst for adventure were undeterred. He developed a keen interest in natural sciences and geography and pursued higher education at Illinois College and later at Oberlin College, where he focused on geology.

Grand Canyon Expeditions

Powell’s most famous and daring expedition was his 1869 journey down the Colorado River, known as the Powell Geographic Expedition. With a team of nine men, Powell set out to explore the largely uncharted canyons and rapids of the Colorado River and gather valuable scientific data. The expedition faced numerous hardships, including treacherous rapids, scarce food supplies, and hostile encounters with Native American tribes. Miraculously, Powell and his crew successfully navigated the treacherous river and completed the journey, providing unprecedented knowledge of the Grand Canyon and its geological formations.

First camp of the John Wesley Powell expedition, in the willows, Green River, Wyoming, 1871. - E. 0. Beaman - War Department. Office of the Chief of Engineers. Powell Survey. (1869 - ca. 1874)
First camp of the John Wesley Powell expedition, in the willows, Green River, Wyoming, 1871. – E. 0. Beaman – War Department. Office of the Chief of Engineers. Powell Survey. (1869 – ca. 1874)

Powell’s subsequent expeditions further solidified his reputation as a fearless explorer. He embarked on multiple journeys across the American West, including explorations of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Rocky Mountains, and the Uinta Mountains. Powell’s meticulous record-keeping and scientific observations greatly expanded the understanding of the region’s geology, hydrology, and ethnography.

Scientific Contributions

Powell’s expeditions were not merely adventurous endeavors but also scientific ventures aimed at advancing knowledge in various fields. He published numerous papers and reports detailing his findings, including “Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and its Tributaries” and “Canons of the Colorado.” These works significantly contributed to the geological understanding of the American West, shaping subsequent research and studies in the region.

Additionally, Powell’s expertise in ethnology led him to conduct extensive research on Native American tribes. He documented their cultures, languages, and customs, recognizing the importance of preserving their heritage. His ethnographic studies formed a crucial foundation for future anthropological research in the United States.

Conservation Advocacy

John Wesley Powell was not only a scientist and explorer but also an early advocate for conservation. Recognizing the fragile nature of the American West’s ecosystems, he became a vocal proponent of sustainable land use practices and preservation efforts. Powell believed that the arid region’s limited water resources necessitated careful management and planning.

In 1879, Powell presented his influential “Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States” to Congress. This groundbreaking report emphasized the need for responsible irrigation and land development strategies, urging policymakers to consider the long-term consequences of uncontrolled resource exploitation. Powell’s report laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Reclamation, both crucial agencies in land and water management.

Legacy and Impact

John Wesley Powell’s contributions to exploration, science, and conservation continue to resonate today. His expeditions not only unveiled the wonders of the American West but also inspired future generations of explorers and scientists. Powell’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and his understanding of the intricate relationships between humans and their environment remain

References

Temple of Sinawava

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Located in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, the Temple of Sinawava is a stunning geological formation that attracts visitors from all around the world. This natural temple is the result of millions of years of geological processes, and it has been a sacred site for the indigenous people of the area for centuries. In this travel and geological report, we will explore the history, geology, and attractions of the Temple of Sinawava, as well as provide practical information for visitors.

Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, Utah, Medium Format Photograph: James L Rathbun
Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, Utah, Medium Format Photograph: James L Rathbun

History

The Temple of Sinawava is named after the Paiute Indian god, Sinawava, who is believed to have lived in the area. For centuries, the Paiute and other indigenous peoples have considered the area to be sacred, and they have performed various rituals and ceremonies there. The Paiute called the area “Mukuntuweap,” which means “straight canyon,” and it was later renamed Zion National Park by the Mormons who settled in the area.

Geology

The Temple of Sinawava is located at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and it is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The temple is a natural amphitheater that was formed by the Virgin River, which has been carving through the sandstone for millions of years. The river has eroded the sandstone in such a way that it has created a stunning array of geological features, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow slot canyons.

The Temple of Sinawava is a particularly unique geological formation because it is located at the end of Zion Canyon, where the canyon narrows dramatically. The canyon walls rise up to over 2,000 feet in height, and they are composed of various layers of sandstone that were deposited over millions of years. The layers of sandstone are different colors, ranging from red to white, and they provide a stunning contrast against the blue sky.

Attractions

The Temple of Sinawava offers visitors a variety of attractions, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The most popular activity at the temple is hiking the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike that follows the Virgin River to the entrance of the temple. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of the canyon walls, as well as a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and numerous bird species.

Once visitors reach the entrance of the temple, they can continue hiking up the river, which leads to the beginning of the Narrows. The Narrows is a narrow slot canyon that is formed by the Virgin River, and it is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. The Narrows can be hiked in two ways, either by hiking up the river or by hiking down the river. Hiking up the river requires a permit and special equipment, while hiking down the river is open to all visitors.

Another popular attraction at the Temple of Sinawava is photography. The temple is a popular destination for photographers, both amateur and professional, who come to capture the stunning beauty of the canyon walls and the river. The best time to photograph the temple is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky and the light is soft and warm.

Practical Information

The Temple of Sinawava is located in Zion National Park, which is open year-round. The park is located in southwestern Utah, and it can be accessed via State Route 9, which runs through the park. There are a variety of lodging options in the park, including campgrounds, lodges, and hotels, as well as numerous restaurants and gift shops.

Visitors to the Temple of Sinawava should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Chuck Yeagers NF-104 Crash Site

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On December 10, 1963, Chuck Yeager, a legendary test pilot, crashed while flying an F-104 Starfighter at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mohave Desert of California. The incident resulted in serious injuries for Yeager and the grounding of the entire NF-104 fleet.

NF-104 Starfighter under rocket propulsion.
NF-104 Starfighter under rocket propulsion.

Background

The NF-104 and F-104 are both variants of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft, but they have some significant differences.

The F-104 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that was developed in the late 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF). It was widely used by many countries, including Canada, Italy, Germany, and Japan. The F-104 had a single engine and was designed to be a high-performance interceptor aircraft. It had a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 and was capable of flying at high altitudes.

The NF-104, on the other hand, was a modified version of the F-104 that was used for high-altitude flight training. The “NF” stands for “NASA Flight” because it was used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for astronaut training. The NF-104 was fitted with a rocket engine that allowed it to climb to higher altitudes than the F-104. The ceiling of the aircraft was supposed to be 125,000 feet. It was also equipped with a reaction control system (RCS) that allowed it to simulate the handling characteristics of a spacecraft.

Overall, the main differences between the F-104 and the NF-104 are that the latter had a rocket engine and RCS, which made it suitable for high-altitude flight training, while the former was a high-performance interceptor aircraft.

Chuck Yeager, on the other hand, was a highly experienced test pilot with a distinguished career. He was the first person to break the sound barrier in level flight, flying the Bell X-1 in 1947. Yeager was also known for his contributions to the development of several other aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, the F-100 Super Sabre, and the B-58 Hustler.

The Crash

On December 10, 1963, Yeager was conducting a test flight of an NF-104 Starfighter equipped with a rocket engine at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The purpose of the flight was to evaluate the aircraft’s performance at high altitudes and high speeds. Yeager was flying at an altitude of 80,000 feet and a speed of Mach 1.5 when he experienced a loss of control.

According to Yeager’s account of the incident, he had just completed a steep climb to 108,000 feet and was beginning to level off when the aircraft suddenly pitched up and rolled to the left. Yeager attempted to recover the aircraft using the reaction control thrusters on. and applying opposite rudder and aileron, but the NF-104 continued to roll and dive and eventually fell into a flat spin.. Yeager ejected from the aircraft at an altitude of around 8,500 feet and landed safely, but he suffered several injuries, including a broken collarbone, several ribs, a punctured lung and severe burns to his face.

Investigation

Chuck Yeagers NF-104 crash site is located in the Mojave Desert
Chuck Yeagers NF104 crashed in the Mojave Desert

Following the crash, the United States Air Force launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The investigation revealed that the F-104 had a notoriously difficult flight envelope, with a high stall speed and a tendency to enter a flat spin at high angles of attack. The investigation also revealed that Yeager had been flying with a faulty attitude indicator, which may have contributed to the loss of control.

However, the investigation ultimately concluded that the cause of the crash was pilot error. The investigation found that Yeager had exceeded the aircraft’s design limitations by flying at an altitude and speed that were beyond the F-104’s safe operating range. The investigation also found that Yeager had not received adequate training on the F-104 and had not been briefed on the risks associated with flying the aircraft at high altitudes and speeds.

Consequences

The consequences of the NF-104 crash were significant. The incident highlighted the dangers of flying high-performance aircraft without adequate training and briefing. As a result, the United States Air Force grounded the entire NF-104 fleet until additional training and safety measures could be implemented. The incident also led to changes in the way that test pilots were trained and briefed on new aircraft.

In 1922, the movie Top Gun: Maverick featured a similar incident written into the story of the movie. Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick is attempting to reach a new speed record or Mach 10, when, at high alititude he is forced to bail our of the experimental plane he was piloting.

Crash Location

Chuck Yeager’s NF-104 cam to rest in the Mohave Desert, just west of I-14 and south of California City Blvd.

Summary

NameChuck Yeagers NF-104 Crash Site
LocationMojave Desert, Los Angles County, California
Date of IncidentDecember 10th, 1963
Latitude, Longitude35.1236, -118.1469

References

Johnny Behan

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John H. Behan - Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory
John H. Behan – Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory

Johnny Behan was a notable figure in the American Old West, best known for his role as sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, during the turbulent era of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Born in 1844 in Missouri, Behan moved to Arizona in the early 1870s and quickly became involved in politics and law enforcement. As sheriff, he was a controversial character, often criticized for his alleged connections with the outlaw Cowboys and his rivalry with the Earp brothers. Behan’s tenure was marked by accusations of corruption and inefficiency, culminating in his failure to control the lawlessness that plagued Tombstone. Despite his tarnished reputation, he continued to serve in various public roles until his death in 1912.

John Harris “Johnny” Behan
Birth: October 24, 1844, Westport, Missouri, USA
Death: June 7, 1912, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Early Life and Career:

John Harris Behan, commonly known as Johnny Behan, was born on October 24, 1844, in Westport, Missouri. Behan moved with his family to California in the mid-1850s during the Gold Rush era. He later relocated to Prescott, Arizona, where he began his career in law enforcement and politics.

Law Enforcement and Political Career:

Behan’s entry into law enforcement began in 1866 when he became the Sheriff of Yavapai County, Arizona Territory. His reputation as a capable lawman grew, and he soon entered politics, serving as a member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature.

In 1880, Behan moved to Tombstone, Arizona, a booming silver-mining town. He was appointed Sheriff of Cochise County in 1881, a position that put him at the center of one of the most famous episodes in the American Wild West—the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

As Sheriff of Cochise County, Behan was involved in the conflict between the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—and the Clanton-McLaury gang. The feud culminated in the legendary gunfight on October 26, 1881. Behan, who had a contentious relationship with the Earps, was accused of favoring the Clantons and McLaurys. Despite his attempts to maintain order, the shootout resulted in the deaths of three members of the Clanton-McLaury gang.

Following the gunfight, Behan’s reputation suffered due to his perceived partiality and his inability to prevent the violence. His popularity waned, and he lost the re-election for sheriff to Wyatt Earp’s ally, Johnny Ringo, in 1882.

Later Life

After his tenure as sheriff, Behan continued to work in various law enforcement roles, including as a U.S. Customs Inspector in Nogales, Arizona. He also served as a police officer and later as a night watchman in Tucson.

Behan married Victoria Zaff in 1869, and the couple had one son, Albert. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1880. Behan later married Josephine Sadie Marcus, although this union was also short-lived.

Death

Johnny Behan passed away on June 7, 1912, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 67. He was buried in the city’s Evergreen Cemetery.

Legacy

Johnny Behan remains a controversial figure in the history of the American West. While he was a dedicated lawman and politician, his involvement in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral has cast a long shadow over his legacy. Behan’s life and career continue to be a subject of fascination for historians and Wild West enthusiasts, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous nature of frontier justice and law enforcement in the late 19th century.

Ryan California

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Ryan, California, is a small unincorporated community located in the southeastern region of San Bernardino County, California. The town is located in the Greenwater Range in Death Valley National Park. This community has a long and fascinating history, spanning from the early 1900s to the present day.

Postcard showing a panoramic view of Ryan, a mining camp in the Death Valley, California, ca.1920 - Photo Credit “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.
Postcard showing a panoramic view of Ryan, a mining camp in the Death Valley, California, ca.1920 – Photo Credit “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.

The Beginning of Ryan, California

Ryan, California, was founded in 1908 by the Ryan brothers, who were attracted to the area for its rich mineral deposits. The Ryan brothers were mining entrepreneurs who owned several mines throughout California, and they saw the potential for a profitable mining operation in the southeastern San Bernardino County.

The brothers built a mining camp and named it Ryan, after themselves. The camp quickly grew into a bustling town, with hundreds of workers and their families living in the area. The Ryan brothers continued to expand their mining operations, and the town grew to include a post office, school, and several businesses.

The Ryan brothers were successful in their mining endeavors, but their success was short-lived. In 1913, a devastating flood destroyed much of the town, including many of the mines. The Ryan brothers were unable to recover from the disaster and were forced to sell their mining claims.

The Rise of Borax

After the flood, the town of Ryan struggled to survive. However, a new opportunity arose when the Pacific Coast Borax Company began mining operations in the area. Borax was a mineral that was in high demand at the time, and the Pacific Coast Borax Company saw the potential for a profitable operation in the Ryan area.

The company built a railroad to transport the borax from the mines to processing plants in other parts of the country. The railroad was a major economic boost for the area, and many new workers came to the town to work in the borax mines.

The town of Ryan grew once again, and new businesses opened to serve the needs of the growing population. The Pacific Coast Borax Company also built a new school for the children of the workers and provided other amenities for the community.

During this time, Ryan was a bustling community with a population of over 500 people. The town had a hotel, a general store, a post office, and several other businesses. The Pacific Coast Borax Company was the main employer in the area, and the town depended on the success of the company.

Photograph of the "Baby Gauge" (aka "Baby Gage") mine train at the mining camp of Ryan, Death Valley, ca.1900-1950. A car with one headlight can be seen at center on tracks pulling a platform with four benches upon it. Someone can be seen driving the car, while four men and women sit on the benches. A small wooden shack with a portion of the roof missing can be seen behind the platform, while a ladder, wooden planks, and more tracks are visible at left. A valley and mountains can be seen in the background. - “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.
Photograph of the “Baby Gauge” (aka “Baby Gage”) mine train at the mining camp of Ryan, Death Valley, ca.1900-1950. A car with one headlight can be seen at center on tracks pulling a platform with four benches upon it. Someone can be seen driving the car, while four men and women sit on the benches. A small wooden shack with a portion of the roof missing can be seen behind the platform, while a ladder, wooden planks, and more tracks are visible at left. A valley and mountains can be seen in the background. – “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.

The Decline of Borax

The town of Ryan continued to thrive for many years, but the decline of the borax industry led to a decline in the town’s population. The Pacific Coast Borax Company closed its operations in Ryan in the 1920s, and many of the workers moved away to find work elsewhere.

The town struggled to survive without the borax industry, and many of the businesses in the town closed their doors. The school closed, and the post office was shut down. By the 1930s, the town of Ryan was mostly abandoned, and only a few people remained.

The Revival of Ryan

In the 1950s, a new industry brought life back to the town of Ryan. The United States Air Force began using the area around Ryan for training exercises, and a new airfield was built in the area. The airfield brought new jobs to the area, and the town began to grow once again.

The Air Force base, known as the Ryan Airfield, was in operation from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this time, the town of Ryan saw a new era of growth and prosperity. New businesses opened, and the population of the town grew to over 500 people once again.

However, when the Air Force base closed in the 1980s, the town of Ryan once again faced a decline. Many of the businesses that had opened.

Tours

Ryan is closed to the general public for safety and historic preservation reasons, the Death Valley Conservancy offers occasional public tours. Tour participants can be selected by signing up on the Death Valley Conservancy’s website.

Town Summary

NameRyan California
Also Known AsColemanite,
Devair,
New Ryan
LocationDeath Valley National Park, San Bernardino County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.3213, -116.6697
Elevation928 meters / 3045 feet
GNIS1661348

Ryan Town Map

References