Grand Canyon National Park in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Watchtower
Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
1. The Watchtower Marker
Build a structure that provides the widest possible view of Grand Canyon yet harmonizes with its setting: this was architect Mary Colter's goal when the Fred Harvey Company hired her in 1930 to design a gift shop and rest area here at Desert View. Colter's answer was the Watchtower.
A perfectionist, Colter scrutinized every detail, down to the placement of nearly every stone. Each stone was handpicked for size and appearance. Weathered faces were left untouched to give the tower an ancient look. With a lavish, highly publicized dedication ceremony, the Watchtower opened in May 1933.
Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter
For almost 50 years, Mary Colter designed structures and interiors throughout the Southwest for the Fred Harvey Company. Six of her works can be seen at Grand Canyon: Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, Hermits Rest, Phantom Ranch, and the Watchtower.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1933.
Location. 36° 2.626′ N, 111° 49.553′ W. Marker is in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, in Coconino
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ancient Illusion (within shouting distance of this marker); Tragedy Remembered (within shouting distance of this marker); 1956 Grand Canyon TWA-United Airlines Aviation Accident Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Tusayan Ruin Trail (approx. 3.1 miles away); Tusayan Museum and Ruin (approx. 3.1 miles away); Spanish Discovery (approx. 6.1 miles away); Grandview, 1898 (approx. 9.6 miles away); Mining on Horseshoe Mesa (approx. 9.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Canyon National Park.
Also see . . . Desert View Pamphlet. (Submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
2. Watchtower National Historic Landmark
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
3. The Watchtower and Marker
1932
4. Photo on The Watchtower Marker
[Caption reads] The Watchtower under construction, 1932. Though architect Colter studies Southwestern Indian towers for design ideas, the Watchtower is not a replica of any actual structure. It has a concrete base, and a steel framework built by the bridge department of the Santa Fe Railroad.
5. Photo on The Watchtower Marker
[Caption reads] Hopi artist Fred Kabotie paints The Snake Legend, one of several murals that cover the interior walls of the tower. Colter chose Hopi art for the tower's interior because of the close association of the Hopi people with Grand Canyon.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
6. The Watchtower's Snake Legend Mural
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
7. The Watchtower Stairway
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
8. The Watchtower Observation Deck
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
9. View From The Watchtower
Looking west
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
10. View From The Watchtower
Looking north
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
11. The Watchtower
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
12. The Watchtower
Looking north
Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 1, 2001
13. The Watchtower
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010
14. View of Grand Canyon from Navajo Point
The Watchtower is on horizon at right of photo
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 13. submitted on January 9, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 14. submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
