John Wesley Powell, American soldier, geologist, and explorer (died 1902)

John Wesley Powell was an American geologist, U.S. Army soldier, explorer of the American West, professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, and director of major scientific and cultural institutions. He is famous for his 1869 geographic expedition, a three-month river trip down the Green and Colorado rivers, including the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon.

March 24 is the 83rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 282 days remain until the end of the year.