On this day 137 years ago, on January 13, 1888 (December 1, 1887 lunar calendar), the National Geographical Society was established in Washington, USA. On January 13, 1888, the National Geographical Society was established in Washington, USA, and was initiated by 33 scientists including John Wesley Powell, the famous explorer who explored the Grand Canyon. Powell (1834-1902) John Wesley Powell, an American geologist, geographer, and anthropologist. Born on March 24, 1834 in Mount Morris, New York. Powell, a 35-year-old artillery major, lost his left arm during the American Civil War and bid him farewell to the barracks. But physical disability did not hinder the ambitious Major Powell. In 1869, Powell gathered nine like-minded brothers to form the first Grand Canyon expedition in the United States, planning to explore the entire Colorado Grand Canyon area. Without any advanced equipment, by observing the quartzite and mud layers deposited in the canyon interlayer, it was possible to explain the dislocation of the continental plates and the cleavage of sand flows. After his 98-day adventure diary was published, it was widely circulated, causing great shock in the United States and Europe. His expedition also opened up new fields of geological research. In 1872, Powell again successfully explored the Grand Canyon along the Colorado River. As a result, Powell established a high reputation in the exploration community and the scientific community, which led to him becoming the director of the Smithsonian Museum in the United States.