John Hance

Captain John Hance, who built a trail and guest ranch east of Grandview Point, was one of Grand Canyon's most colorful characters. One visitor declared: "To see the canyon only, and not to see Captain John Hance, is to miss half the show." Reportedly the first white settler in the canyon, he arrived in 1883 and stayed until his death in 1919. He loved the canyon and is credited with carving a number of its trails, which often follow old American Indian paths. Hance was famous for his tall tales, many of which are still repeated today.