The Watchtower
Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter
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.
Courtesy hmdb.org
