Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower by danapommet
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Description
Entering the Grand Canyon National Park (south rim), at the east entrance, presented me with the Desert View area and this Watchtower. I was still 26 miles (42 km) from the Grand Canyon Village (the main tourist area). This Watchtower was designed by architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, whose goal was to build a structure that provides the widest possible view of Grand Canyon yet harmonizes with its setting and history. It was constructed in 1932 as a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower modeled after the ancient Anasazi watchtowers found in the area. It commands a magnificent view of the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert to the east and the San Fransico Peaks to the south (a 100 mile view). This 70 foot (21 meter) tower is the highest point on the South Rim. The interior walls of the tower feature murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. The first floor kiva room, was carefully designed as a rest area. It was here that visitors to the canyon in the 1930’s could sit in comfort and have outstanding views of the canyon. Today it is used as retail space.
As you climb the stairs of the tower there are many stories imbedded in the paintings and artwork which decorate the walls. The first gallery, on the first landing, was done by Fred Kabotie, a Hopi from second Mesa. These represent the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life Mesa (see my next posting). The ceiling images were painted by Fred Geary. The top floor of the tower is without decoration which might detract from the beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. The north rim is 10 miles away and can be seen clearly from this point, at an elevation of 7,450 feet. Some info from the National Park Service. The photos in this series were taken with a film Pentax during 3 separate visits in 1996. Photos recently scanned.
Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments.
They are very much appreciated.
Dana
Comments (22)
Digitaleagle
looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon in the future, this shot peaks my interest, excellent capture and narrative!
bimm3d
wonderful photo and great info!!
Faemike55
It sounds like I am going to make travel plans to see this wonder
sharky_
Superb capture.... Aloha
jayfar
This is a great shot and info of this wonderful old building Dana.
durleybeachbum
Super shot and so interesting!
mariogiannecchini
Wonderful picture ! Interesting info !
pixeluna
Very nice, thanks for the added information! Good capture.
dakotabluemoon
Very beautiful catch on this.
flavia49
great shot
Flint_Hawk Online Now!
Great composition! Wonderful capture!
alessimarco
Fantastic capture!!
MagikUnicorn Online Now!
Love this superb
jendellas
Would love to have taken a trek up to see the fabulous view. Very interesting info!!!
jmb007
jolie tour!!
sandra46
WONDERFUL SHOT
goodoleboy
Superlative everything in this wonderful capture, Dana. Other than being a tower, it could also be used as a 360-degree fortress, as suggested with those square openings near the top. You could hold off attacking forces from all sides with that setup.
jocko500
brings back memorys of when i wes there two diff times. this is a very good shot too
Rhanagaz
Great capture of this beautifully placed tower! Thanks for the lines about it! ;o)
kbrog
Excellent capture! Most be a great view from up there. :)
0rest4wicked
The highlight of the South rim!
zoren
cool place, nice shot!!