Several documentaries feature the history of the Grand Canyon, including its geological formation, the Native American tribes who have lived there, and its designation as a national park. While no prominent documentary has the exact title "Grand Canyon The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of America's National Park," the following films cover its rich history. Documentaries about the Grand Canyon's history Ken Burns's The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009) Episode 3: "The Empire of Grandeur (1915–1919)" focuses on the political campaigns to protect the Grand Canyon, culminating in its establishment as a national park in 1919. The series as a whole provides historical context on how individuals fought to preserve America's wilderness, including figures like Theodore Roosevelt who passionately advocated for the Grand Canyon. Streaming: Available on PBS, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. IMAX: Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets (1984) This documentary, narrated by Keith Merrill, covers 4,000 years of human history in the canyon. It includes a reenactment of John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition, the first to navigate the Colorado River through the canyon. Availability: Released on DVD and VHS, and often shown at the IMAX theater in Tusayan near the park entrance. National Geographic: Into the Grand Canyon (2019) This film documents a continuous 750-mile hike through the canyon by journalist Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedarko. While focusing on their modern-day journey, it emphasizes historical events, including Native American history and the efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve the area. Streaming: Available on Disney+. How the Earth Was Made (History Channel, 2009) This series dedicated an episode to the Grand Canyon's formation. It delves into the geological history, covering the 1.7-billion-year-old rock formations and how the Colorado River carved the gorge. The Story of Grand Canyon National Park (1991) This documentary, directed by Dale Johnson, discusses the history of the canyon's exploration as part of a tribute to the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service. Availability: Can be found on IMDb. Key historical aspects covered in these documentaries Ancient Inhabitants: Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans, Hopi, Hualapai, and Havasupai, inhabited and considered the canyon a sacred place for millennia. First European Contact: Spanish conquistadors were the first Europeans to see the canyon in 1540. John Wesley Powell's Expedition: His 1869 mapping expedition brought the canyon to national attention. Preservation and Park Status: Early efforts by figures like President Theodore Roosevelt protected the area as a game reserve and national monument before it was officially designated a national park in 1919. Modern Challenges: More recent documentaries address modern issues, including environmental threats from commercial development and the o
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