Ten Who Dared facts for kids

Ten Who Dared is an exciting movie made by Disney in 1960. It tells the true story of a brave United States Army officer named John Wesley Powell. He led a group of nine other men on an amazing journey. Their goal was to explore and map the wild Colorado River. The film shows all the dangers and challenges they faced on this incredible trip.

Exploring the Wild West

Ten Who Dared takes you back to the year 1869. This was a time when much of the western United States was still a mystery. Rivers like the Colorado were powerful and largely unexplored. People didn't know what lay around every bend.

The Mission to Map the Colorado

John Wesley Powell was a one-armed Civil War veteran. He had a big dream: to be the first to travel the entire length of the Colorado River. He wanted to create a detailed map of the region. This was a very dangerous mission. The river had huge rapids and deep canyons. No one knew if it was even possible to survive such a journey.

The Brave Crew

Powell gathered nine other men to join him. They were a mix of adventurers, soldiers, and scientists. They set off in four wooden boats. Their journey began in the Green River, which flows into the Colorado. They faced many challenges together.

Facing Nature's Fury

The movie shows the incredible difficulties the crew faced. They had to navigate treacherous rapids that could flip their boats. They dealt with shortages of food and supplies. The weather was often harsh, and the canyons were vast and lonely. They also had to work together as a team to overcome obstacles.

Discovering New Lands

Despite the dangers, the expedition made amazing discoveries. They saw stunning landscapes and unique rock formations. They were the first to explore and name many parts of the Grand Canyon. Their journey helped people understand more about the geography of the American West.

Who Was John Wesley Powell?

John Wesley Powell was more than just an explorer. He was also a geologist and a professor. Even though he lost an arm in the Civil War, he never let it stop him. He was determined to explore and learn about the natural world. His expedition down the Colorado River is one of the most famous explorations in American history.

Making the Movie

The film Ten Who Dared was directed by William Beaudine. It stars Brian Keith as John Wesley Powell. The movie brings this historical adventure to life for audiences. It shows the courage and determination of the men who dared to explore the unknown.