The GRAND Canyon
A National Wonder
The Grand Canyon, is an enormous structure that covers over 270 miles of land! Also the deepest points in the Grand Canyon are around 6,000 feet deep. The Canyon rock features are a beautiful sight. Even Teddy Roosevelt called the Grand Canyon, “One great sight which every american can see.” Featured in this article are all the facts you need to know about the rocks, history, and even what to see now. To learn more read the GRAND Canyon.
How was it formed?
Six million years ago the Colorado River began to erode a group of rocks away, as a result to the beginning of Grand Canyon. Every day the river would take more and more away, until a couple million years later a enormous canyon was left. Now a days, this is a great example, that shows everyone how powerful the force of water is over a long period of time.
But the colors of the Grand Canyon, in the rock, each show a different period of time. That layered pattern isn't some pretty painting, it’s contains 40 identified rocks stacked on top of each other. The oldest rock is two billion years old.
In addition, the canyon also has a steep structure. For instance, some spots in the Grand Canyon can be 6,000 feet deep. The canyon is also 18 miles wide at specific places. Talk about erosion.
Picture It- Some places in the Grand Canyon are so deep that stacking three Empire State building would still not reach the top of the canyon.
Who Lived There Before?
Even before the Grand Canyon was founded a national park, people still were at the Grand Canyon. Native Americans lived in it. For many years people lived in the canyon. It provided protection, water, shelter, and grassy spots to farm on. Archaeologists found items, such as twig figures, dating back to 2,000bc - 1,000bc.
Cave drawing were also found from the Archaic period. But lets talk about some people who are from a time area closer to ours. The Havasupai people farmed in the bottom of the canyon. In 1903, Teddy Roosevelt took a ride down to the canyon to meet them. Roosevelt told them that the Federal Government was planning to make the canyon Public Park and advised them to leave.
The Havasupai people refused to leave. Later on in 1914 the Havasupai requested, a plot of land on the Grand Canyon property for them. The government agreed to give the people land, but the Havasupai People didn't know where the land was...
In 1917 the canyon was declared a national park, therefore the Havasupai people had been moved to their piece of land. A couple years later the Havasupai people were moved to cottages on the side of the Grand Canyon because a sewer pipe had to go through the area that they had been originally given.
Now a days the Havasupai People have a reserve with 95,000 acres of land thanks to President Gerald Ford. Do you think the havasupai deserved the land?
What to see there?
If you are planning to go to the grand canyon you’re probably wondering...
What should I see there? Well I have the answer to your question!
As a result to the giant area the Grand Canyon 90% of the people see the wonderful view from their car or from a shuttle bus. South rim is probably going to be one of your first stops. South Rim is the easiest to get to and you can find historical building and sights there like Villages, Hermit Road, and Dessert Drive View. About 10% of the people visit the North Rim. The North Rim includes backpacking, and hiking trips. It’s harder to get to but those up for a challenge should go there.
In the Grand Canyon you can also go river rafting and ride mules! The beauty of the canyon is unlimited, and is an experience all should see!A Sight Worth Seeing
The Grand Canyon is a wonderful way to learn, and still have fun! You can learn many things, for example: How it was formed, the history, and what to see now. It's a national wonders that many enjoy seeing. To them, canyon is more than just some rock, it’s history!
Word Bank
Structure- The way something is set up.
Archaeologists- A person who studies and digs out a part of history.
Watch Video
Sources
http://www.nps.gov/grca/historyculture/index.htm
http://grandcanyonhistory.clas.asu.edu/history_nativecultures.html
http://www.nps.gov/history/people.htm
http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/grca/age/index.cfm
http://nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/710
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/directions_n_rim.htm
Pictures/Videos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havasupai
http://www.bestourism.com/items/di/111?title=The-Grand-Canyon&b=207
http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=p2X4U1mQzoE