It’s only a myth that Evel Knievel jumped the Grand Canyon, although just the rumor alone was enough to propel his career. His son Robbie, however, did eventually jump part of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon was carved over years by the Colorado River, creating the spectacle that draws in millions a year, which is controlled and managed by the Grand Canyon National Park, the Hualapai Tribal Nation, and the Havasupai Tribe.
On this day February 26th, in 1919, the Grand Canyon is established by congress as a national park. It was Theodore Roosevelt who had been an advocate for creating national parks and monuments, but by the time the Grand Canyon was established, President Roosevelt had already been out of office for a month.
The Grand Canyon is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Geologists believe that the Colorado River began taking its route through the Grand Canyon about 17 million years ago. Its depth reaches a mile, it is 277 miles long, and in certain parts is up to 18 miles wide! As water passes through, it slowly erodes the rock – and lines are created which help decipher time periods. The Pueblos, a Native American Tribe, are thought to be the first inhabitants of the Canyon. Throughout history, many Native American tribes have settled there, as the Grand Canyon caves offered protection.