Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower by danapommet
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
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)
looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon in the future, this shot peaks my interest, excellent capture and narrative!
wonderful photo and great info!!
It sounds like I am going to make travel plans to see this wonder
Superb capture.... Aloha
This is a great shot and info of this wonderful old building Dana.
Super shot and so interesting!
Wonderful picture ! Interesting info !
Very nice, thanks for the added information! Good capture.
Very beautiful catch on this.
great shot
Great composition! Wonderful capture!
Fantastic capture!!
Love this superb
Would love to have taken a trek up to see the fabulous view. Very interesting info!!!
jolie tour!!
WONDERFUL SHOT
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.
brings back memorys of when i wes there two diff times. this is a very good shot too
Great capture of this beautifully placed tower! Thanks for the lines about it! ;o)
Excellent capture! Most be a great view from up there. :)
The highlight of the South rim!
cool place, nice shot!!