Grand Canyon National Park in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Lookout Studio
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
1. Lookout Studio Marker
The Fred Harvey Company built Lookout Studio in 1914, in part to compete with the Kolb Brothers Studio located slightly west along the rim. Called "The Lookout," Fred Harvey's studio offered telescopic views, photographs, and books about the canyon.
Designed by Mary Colter, Lookout Studio is an early example of a park structure that blends with its setting. Its low, rough-cut limestone design adheres to ideas expressed by pioneer landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, who felt that any park structure that drew attention away from the works of nature and to the works of man was inappropriate. From within the canyon, Lookout Studio is barely visible.
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 year for this entry is 1914.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 3.444′ N, 112° 8.449′ W. Marker was in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, in Coconino County. It could be reached from Village Loop Drive. Marker is along the South Rim walkway, about 200 feet southeast
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It was also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Bright Angel Lodge (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Bright Angel Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lookout (within shouting distance of this marker); Buckey's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Kolb Studio (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trans-Canyon Telephone Line (about 500 feet away); CCC Legacy (about 600 feet away); Bright Angel Cabin 88 & 89 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Canyon National Park.
Other markers no longer nearby. Buckey O'Neill Cabin (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Bright Angel Lodge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Lookout Studio. From Wikipedia: The Fred Harvey Company was the owner of the Harvey House chain of restaurants, hotels and other hospitality industry businesses alongside railroads in the Western United States. It was founded in 1876 by Fred Harvey to cater to the growing number of
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
2. Lookout Studio National Historic Landmark Marker
When Harvey died in 1901, his family inherited 45 restaurants and 20 dining cars in 12 states. During World War II, Harvey Houses opened again to serve soldiers as they traveled in troop trains across the U.S. By 1968, when it was sold ... the Fred Harvey Company was the sixth largest food retailer in the United States. It left behind a lasting legacy of good food, dedication to customers, decent treatment of employees, and preservation of local traditions.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
3. Lookout Studio
1914
4. Photo on Lookout Studio Marker
[Caption reads] Lookout Studio shortly after its construction in 1914.
5. Photo on Lookout Studio Marker
[Caption reads] The Lookout offered a canyon view using this large telescope.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
6. View of El Tovar from Lookout Studio
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
7. Canyon View from Lookout Studio
Photographed by James Hulse, June 21, 2024
8. Lookout Studio Marker
The new replacement marker with new text. Old marker is gone.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,323 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 8. submitted on July 5, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
