During the exploration frenzy of the early 20th century, railroads began building hotels and lodges to transport tourists seeking excitement in the unexplored regions of the United States. From this humble beginning historic landmarks were born that still serve millions of people each year.
Yellowstone National Park -- Lake Yellowstone Hotel
The Lake Yellowstone Hotel opened for business in 1891, but did not become the distinctive travel destination of the wealthy until it underwent a transformation that began in 1903. It holds the distinction of being the park’s oldest surviving hotel still in use today.
The construction was financed by the Northern Pacific Railroad who commissioned the building of a plain, box-shaped structure. Its transformation into a magnificent colonial-style luxury hotel began during the first in a series of renovations that began in 1903 and continued until 1929.
Robert Charles Reamer (1873-1938), the architect who designed the first set of renovations, was also the man behind the creation of The Old Faithful Inn. Reamer’s vision included the Ionic columns, extensions to the existing roof, and the addition of 15 false balconies. In 1929 additions included a magnificent dining room with high ceilings and massive windows overlooking Lake Yellowstone, a portico and a sunroom. After a period up to the 1970s when the hotel had fallen into disrepair, the National Park Service and the park concessioner began a 10-year restoration project. The renovations were completed in celebration of the hotel’s centennial in 1991. That same year, this magnificent hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Yosemite National Park -- The Wawona
The eight New England-style buildings in this lodge complex were constructed over a period of four decades, making it a challenge to concisely describe in detail. Wawona has existed in various incarnations since the mid-1870s and is one of California's oldest mountain resorts. The hotel stands in the area the Indians termed "Big Trees." Most of the hotel's guestrooms open onto a veranda and are furnished in European-style period pieces and antiques. Features common to all of the buildings include the wood-frame construction and painted exterior finishes. All are more than one story in height with multiple exterior porches. The primary builder of the Wawona was John Washburn (1836 – 1908), although others contributed to the expansion and updating of the hotel. Washburn and his brothers, Henry and Edward, purchased what was then the South Fork hostelry in December 1874. In 1878, John Washburn became the manager of the Wawona.
Grand Canyon National Park -- Grand Canyon Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge holds the distinction of being the most intact rustic hotel development remaining in the national parks. It hails from an era in the United States when railroads were responsible for building and constructing "destination resorts" anchored firmly within the national parks. The complex provides the only lodging available on the north rim of the canyon and is constructed of native stone and timber. The complex consists of the main lodge building, and originally featured 100 standard cabins and 20 deluxe cabins when it was constructed in 1927 - 1928. Fire destroyed the main lodge in 1932 and it was rebuilt between 1936 and 1937.
Featuring a hearty pioneer style, the lodge blends in beautifully with its magnificent surroundings, which was status quo for the hotels and lodges of its day. Many considered the architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood (1890 – 1960), to be in his prime during the construction of the lodge.
There are many more historic hotels and lodges throughout the national parks in the United States. Each holds a significant place within the individual park's history and how that history is woven into the fabric of the national parks.
JoAnn Sardo - After spending 25 years in the publishing industry, I took a detour to open my own photo processing center. I decided after two years that ...
