In addition, below the Glen Canyon Dam rests the remains of the steam paddle wheeler, Charles H. Spencer. In the mid-1980’s, the Bureau of Reclamation engaged in a study of the effects of the operation of Glen Canyon Dam on natural and cultural resources located in the downstream river. The historic wooden vessel Spencer is located in the river corridor. The wreck harks back to a fascinating story of mining and river navigation on the Colorado from 1910-1913. It’s a well-preserved artifact that can meaningfully contribute to interpretive programs in the Park. It was determined by SRC archeologists during a 1986 field project that Spencer was substantially intact to the level of the main deck. The wood was well preserved with perhaps the most detrimental impact to the site being wet-dry cycling resulting from fluctuations of the water level below the dam. Continued protection of the site will ensure a data bank for future researchers who have specific questions on maritime construction of the period or who wish to have a source of comparative data for similar vessels.

• September-October 1986 – Documentation of steamboat Charles H. Spencer at Lee’s Ferry. Toni Carrell, Principal Investigator.

• March-April 1978 – Underwater archeological inventory, excavation and videography of inundated Pueblo III sites. Daniel Lenihan, Project Director.

• Carrell, Toni, Editor, 1987, Submerged Cultural Resources Site Report: Charles H. Spencer Mining Operation and Paddle Wheel Steamboat, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Submerged Resources Center Professional Report No. 6. National Park Service, Santa Fe, NM.

• Lenihan, Daniel J., Editor, 1981, Final Report of the National Reservoir Inundation Study Vols I & II (Available via written or e-mail request).