History of the Canyon By morgandelattre Jan 1, 1826 First American visits canyon (James Ohio Pattie) Apr 3, 1869 Major John Wesley Powell leads first successful expedition down the Colorado River Apr 3, 1893 President Harrison creates Grand Canyon Forest Reserve Apr 3, 1902 Ellsworth and Emery Kolb establish their photography business at the Canyon Apr 3, 1906 President Roosevelt created the Grand Canyon Game Preserve by proclamation Apr 3, 1908 President Teddy Roosevelt creates Grand Canyon National Monument Apr 3, 1919 Grand Canyon National Park Bill signed