El Escalante Hotel

El Escalante Hotel. . , Shortly after world war one, the forward-looking citizens of Cedar City recognized that tourism centered around the new national parks and monuments in the area, would be a powerful economic benefit to their rural community. Visitors certainly had something to see and the railroad provided a way to see it, all that remained was a place to stay. A hotel, located conveniently across from the railroad depot, was the answer, and it was here that the El Escalante Hotel stood. Designed by Georg A. (Bert) Wood in 1921 using native materials, the massive, brick L-shaped structure had ninety-two rooms in three stories, with the third story set in the pitched roof. In January of 1923, Untion Pacific Railroad purchased the hotel in order to accommodate the anticipated travelers coming to visit the scenic wonders of Southern Utah. The railroad formed a subsidiary called the Utah Parks Company to develop and operate facilities and amenities in and around the parks which eventually led to thousands staying in the hotel each year. The El Escalante was more than just a hotel. As an anchor on the corner of Main Street, it served as a community gathering space where, during the winter season, dances were held every Saturday night. New Year's Eve parties were held in the ballroom, which occupied the basement along the north side. During World War II, the hotel was used as a dorm for pilot trainees. As rail travel declined during the 1950s, the hotel was sold to the city and in 1970, it was sold again to a private entity and eventually replaced., Dedicated Thursday, November 11, 2021 , by Cedar City Historic Preservation Commission , Visit Cedar City Brian Head