Green River in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

George Flavell

1896

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015

1. George Flavell Marker

Inscription. Trapper, hunter, prospector, and tattoo artist - George Flavell and his passenger/partner Ramon Montez were the first men to float the "distance" of Green River, Wyoming to Needles, California primarily for the "adventure."
The two arrived in Green River in mid-August 1896, built their own boat - the Fanthon, and launched on August 27th, 1896. Far downstream in Yuma, Arizona, Flavell told a reporter the reasons for the journey, "First, for the adventure; second, to see what so few people have seen; third, to hunt and trap; fourth, to examine the perpendicular walls of rock for gold."
One of the major river controversies which remains today is whether it was actually George Flavell instead of Than Galloway who was the first to use the facing downstream method of running rivers and to build the newer style boats better suited for river travel.
In any event, Flavell's diary records running all the rapids except for 6 on the entire journey from Green River to the ocean. Regardless of who was "first", a new era of river running was at hand.

Erected by Green River Greenbelt and City of Green River.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 27, 1896.

Location. 41°

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31.435′ N, 109° 28.352′ W. Marker is in Green River, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. Marker can be reached from South 2nd East Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 398 South 2nd East Street, Green River WY 82935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nathaniel Galloway - 1890's (here, next to this marker); Sunbeam - 1908 (here, next to this marker); Powell - Colorado River Expedition 1869 (a few steps from this marker); The Paddlewheeler Comet - 1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Julius Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); John Wesley Powell, 1871 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kolb Brothers (about 300 feet away); The Great Unknown (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green River.

More about this marker. This marker is located next to the perimeter walking path in Island Park. Island Park occupies the northwestern end of Expedition Island and is across the bridge at the south end of South 2nd East Street.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015

2. George Flavell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.