Fred Harvey exhibit banner

 

Grand Canyon

In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Grand Canyon and declared it "one of our greatest natural wonders." Undoubtedly, his enthusiasm for the Grand Canyon helped raise awareness of the area as a future national park. Fred Harvey’s son Ford Harvey and other Grand Canyon stakeholders lobbied to have the Grand Canyon designated as a national park. It became a national park in 1919, and in 1920 the Fred Harvey Company became the primary concessionaire. The Grand Canyon’s splendorous beauty -- combined with the Harvey approach to quality accommodations and food service -- undoubtedly supported the success of many businesses.

Mary Colter was the primary architect of the Grand Canyon's built environment. Colter sought to incorporate her projects as seamlessly as possible into the surrounding areas and create the buildings so that they complemented the grandeur and history of the Canyon. Her innovative, inspired architectural designs continue to have significant influence over the way the Grand Canyon is now perceived. Hermit’s Rest, Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, and Lookout Studio are examples in the park of her design aesthetic and legacy.

Today Mary Colter's architectural legacy is still being preserved by the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. The Bright Angel Lodge History Room at the South Rim Village is open to the public and has a permanent Fred Harvey exhibit.

Vacation Destination


The World Wars discouraged travel to Europe so Americans began to explore America. Fred Harvey encouraged Americans to explore their country.


Grand Canyon Mule Rides, 1980 ca.

 

 

 

Visitors

Many people visited the Grand Canyon and left with a permanent imprint of the experience like Alice Dunham or made an imprint on the other Grand Canyon visitors because of their celebrity.


 

Mary Colter and the Grand Canyon

Aside from the Colorado River, Mary Colter has proven to be the architect of the Grand Canyon. Mary Colter's designs were innovative and inspired. Her architectural designs have had significant influence over the way the Grand Canyon is now perceived; her legacy is highly evident in any visit to the Grand Canyon. She sought to incorporate her projects as seamlessly as possible into the surrounding areas or create the buildings so that they complemented the grandeur and history of the Canyon.


Hermit's Rest



Lookout Studio



Desert View Indian Watchtower



Hopi House