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 these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks
this page online
Location. 36° 2.626′ N, 111° 49.553′ W. Marker is in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, in Coconino County. It can be reached from Desert View Road. Marker is near the Watchtower, at Desert View Point, about 0.4 mile NNE of Desert View (East Rim) Drive (Arizona Highway 64). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 906 Desert Vw Rd, Grand Canyon AZ 86023, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Revealing Features (a few steps from this marker); 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
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2010
2. Watchtower National Historic Landmark
Also see . . . Desert View Pamphlet. (Submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
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 June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,671 times since then and 85 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 Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 13. submitted on January 9, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 14. submitted on January 9, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
