Which U.S. explorer was a Civil War soldier, professor and served as a Director of the U.S. Geological Survey?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), formerly known as the Geological Survey, is a scientific agency of the U.S. Government.

The American who was a Union Army soldier from 1861 to 1865 achieving the rank of Major in the U.S. Civil War, then a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University and finally a Director of the USGS from 1881 to 1894 was John Wesley Powell (1834-1902).

Today he is remembered for his 3-month river trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers, the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon.

As a U.S. Civil War soldier, he enlisted in the Union Army as a cartographer, topographer and military engineer. At the Battle of Shiloh, he lost most of his right arm when he was struck by a Minnie ball (hollow-based bullet). The raw nerve endings in his arm caused him pain for the rest of his life.

After leaving the Army, Powell taught at Illinois Wesleyan University and also lectured at Illinois State Normal University for most of his career.

A number of accolades and awards permeate the American landscape to honor his legacy. In recognition of his national service, Powell was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia and in 1969 he was honored with a commemorative stamp.

Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River is named after him. Powell Junior High School is located in Mesa, Arizona, while the John Wesley Powell Middle School is located in Littleton, Colorado.