There's no record of a single "first" American to sail through the Grand Canyon. It's a challenging and dangerous feat, and it's likely that various Native American groups navigated the Colorado River through the canyon long before European contact.

Here's why it's difficult to pinpoint a "first" American:

* Native American History: For thousands of years, Native American tribes lived in and around the Grand Canyon, utilizing the Colorado River for transportation and sustenance. It's highly likely that they navigated the canyon long before any European arrival. However, their history is often undocumented, making it hard to pinpoint a definitive "first."

* Early Exploration: The first European documented to traverse the Grand Canyon by boat was Major John Wesley Powell in 1869. He led an expedition in two wooden boats, providing crucial scientific and historical insights into the canyon.

* No Single Person: It's more likely that different individuals or groups may have attempted or succeeded in navigating parts of the Grand Canyon throughout history.

Therefore, while it's impossible to definitively name the "first" American to sail through the Grand Canyon, it's important to acknowledge the rich history of the canyon and the countless people who have explored it over the centuries.