The river is named after John Reese , who explored the area in 1854 as part of the expedition of Colonel Edward Steptoe .
Who later served as a guide to Captain James H. Simpson 's survey of a military road through central Nevada .
The river is named after John Reese , who explored the area in 1854 as part of the expedition of Colonel Edward Steptoe , and who later served as a guide to Captain James H. Simpson 's survey of a military road through central Nevada .