Andrew P. Schow — Discovery of the Hole-in-the-Rock Route

Andrew P. Schow, along with Ruben Collett and Charles Hall, is credited with discovering the critical 'crack' or passage in the canyon wall that allowed the San Juan Mission pioneers to navigate the difficult terrain during their trek. This discovery was essential for the success of the expedition and is regarded as a providential event in the history of the Cotton Mission and the settlement of the region.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in Escalante | JacobBarlow.com):

During the summer of 1879 Andrew P. Schow and Reuben Collett of Escalante, in response to a request by Silas S. Smith the leader of the San Juan mission, explored east from Escalante with a two wheeled cart carrying a wagon box boat to the Colorado River. After crossing the river they returned to Parowan with a favorable report of the trail. Silas Smith, who was good friends with the men, was anxious to avoid both the southern and northern routes of the exploring expedition and on the strength of the Schow-Collett report, announced in September 1879 that the Expedition would proceed to the San Juan via the Escalante route.