The Grand Canyon is a beautiful place, but new developments may replace vistas with shopping centers.

1. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism

2. Mary Coulter, a pillar of architecture in the male-dominated 1900s, was a true
visionary, and one who shaped the Grand Canyon experience in one of the most
enduring and meaningful ways possible: by giving visitors a comfortable and pleasing
place to stay. Much of the Grand Canyon lodging visitors enjoy today was designed by
the esteemed and fondly remembered Mary Coulter.
Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism

3. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism
Mary Coulter wanted to be an artist as a young girl growing up in St. Paul, and
carried that passion to an art school in San Francisco with the end goal of
teaching. While attending art school, she was taken under the wing of an
architect and learned to apply her talent as an artist to designing buildings. For
15 years after graduating from art school, Coulter taught countless classes at
Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul after a brief stint teaching art in
Menomonie.

4. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism
After those 15 years, she took on a couple of short-term design jobs decorating for
the Fred Harvey Company, moving closer to the canyon as her interest shifted to
design. After each short-term decoration job, she moved right back to St. Paul, but in
1910, she had earned a permanent position with the Fred Harvey Company
designing and decorating Grand Canyon hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.

5. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism
Some of the building Coulter designed include:
•The Lookout Studio
•Hermit’s Rest
•Phantom Ranch
•The Watchtower
•Bright Angel Lodge

6. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism
As you can see, Coulter’s vision formed the
Grand Canyon tourism experience, and many of
the hotels she designed in the early to mid-
1900s are still celebrated for their cozy, inviting
atmosphere and rustic design. Her influence lives
on today, and many tours and educational
programs held within the park make reference
to her and her work during the beginning of
Grand Canyon tourism.

7. Mary Coulter
The Architect Who Defined the Grand Canyon Tourism
Over her 30-year career as chief architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company,
Coulter oversaw 21 major projects along the railroad lines, and as rare as female
architects were during the early 1900s, Coulter was one of the best architects of her
time, dwarfing the achievements of many acclaimed men in her field. Drawing
inspiration from the rocks and trees that made up the landscapes that were her
canvas, her work was influenced by Native American culture and will forever be a part
of why the Grand Canyon is one of America’s greatest treasures.