John Hance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Hance
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John Hance is believed to be the first non-Native American resident on the Grand Canyon.
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| Born | 1840 |
| Died | January 26, 1919 (aged 78–79) |
| Occupation | pioneer, trailblazer, guide |
John Hance (born 1840, died January 8, 1919) was a very important person in the history of the Grand Canyon in the United States. He is believed to be the first non-Native American person to live there. John Hance helped open up the Grand Canyon for visitors. He created the first tourist trail in the canyon in the late 1800s.
Hance became famous for giving tours of the canyon. He started these tours after his attempts to mine for a mineral called asbestos didn't work out. It was too expensive to remove the asbestos from the deep canyon. People called him "Captain" John Hance. He was known as one of the most interesting people at the Grand Canyon. One early visitor even said that "To see the canyon only and not to see Captain John Hance, is to miss half the show."
John Hance: Grand Canyon's Storyteller
John Hance loved to tell amazing stories to visitors. He often preferred a wild tale over just the facts. For example, he would seriously tell travelers that he had dug the entire Grand Canyon himself! He would say he piled all the dirt near Flagstaff. This pile of dirt is now known as the San Francisco Peaks.
Hance's Lasting Legacy
Even with his tall tales, John Hance left a big mark on the Grand Canyon. He passed away in 1919. This was the same year the Grand Canyon officially became a National Park. John Hance was also the first person to be buried in what is now the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery. His contributions helped many people experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
