Franklin B. Sprague | |
|---|---|
 Captain Franklin Sprague, ca. 1865 | |
| Born | July 16, 1825 Delaware, Ohio |
| Died | February 7, 1895 (aged 69) Delaware, Ohio |
| Place of burial | Oak Grove Cemetery Delaware, Ohio |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service |  Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864 - 1867 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands | I Company; Fort Klamath |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War Indian skirmishes |
| Other work | Businessman and judge |
Franklin Burnet Sprague (July 16, 1825 – February 7, 1895) was an American military officer, businessman, and judge. He joined the Union Army during the Civil War, serving on the Oregon frontier. During his military service, Sprague explored much of Southern Oregon. While building a road near Fort Klamath, Sprague led a party into the Cascade Mountains to investigate Crater Lake. His party was the first to descend the 800-foot caldera wall to reach the lake's shore. A month later, Sprague published an article highlighting the lake's unique beauty. Today, the Sprague River in southern Oregon bears his name.