John D. Lee established Lee's Ferry service in 1871. At the time, it was the only place to cross the Colorado River for almost 300 miles. He was banished to this remote and harsh place by the Mormon Church, after he helped to slaughter 70 people traveling through Utah in a wagon train. If you ever see photos of John D.'s wives (he had 17 of them!), you might surmise that they also were part of his punishment.