D. W. Mooney facts for kids

Mooney Falls near Supai, AZ, which is where D.W. Mooney fell, now bears his name

D. W. "James" Mooney (died 1882) was a brave miner and one of the first explorers of the amazing Grand Canyon. He is remembered because he sadly fell to his death at a beautiful waterfall. This waterfall, located on the Havasupai Reservation within the Grand Canyon, is now named Mooney Falls in his honor.

Who Was D.W. Mooney?

D.W. "James" Mooney was an American prospector and explorer. He lived during a time when many people were exploring the western parts of the United States. These explorers often searched for valuable minerals like gold and silver. Mooney was one of these adventurous individuals.

Exploring the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a huge, deep canyon carved by the Colorado River. It is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. Exploring it in the 1800s was very difficult and dangerous. There were no marked trails, and the terrain was very rugged. Explorers like Mooney faced many challenges. They had to deal with extreme weather, lack of supplies, and dangerous cliffs.

The Story of Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Grand Canyon. It is part of Havasu Creek, which flows through the Havasupai Reservation. The Havasupai people have lived in this area for hundreds of years. The falls are known for their beautiful blue-green water.

A Lasting Legacy

In 1882, D.W. Mooney was exploring near this waterfall. Sadly, he fell from the cliffs near the falls and died. To remember him, the waterfall was named Mooney Falls. This name has stayed with the falls ever since. It serves as a reminder of the early explorers who ventured into the Grand Canyon.