A Momentous Birthday

I don’t believe that anyone can see the Grand Canyon area for themselves and not know that we have to do everything we can to protect it for future generations.

–Nolan Gould

On August 25, 2019, the Grand Canyon celebrates its centennial with free admission to one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Yes, that’s right, on August 25th, you can experience these wonders for free.

The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.

– John Wesley Powell

Pendleton Pitches In

This marvel of geology is just one of the recipients of Pendleton’s national park fundraising efforts. Through sales of our own and collaborative projects, we have been raising money to help restore the Grand Canyon’s train depot.

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The Grand Canyon Depot in Grand Canyon Village is the Park’s “front door," used as a meeting place for adventurers for over 100 years. This National Historic Landmark is the Park’s most-photographed man-made structure.  Pendleton’s contributions will help improve accessibility and preserve the character of this National Historic Landmark.

According to the National Park Service, “Nearly 230,000 visitors per year arrive at the Depot via the Grand Canyon Railway, which is an important component of the park’s transportation system. Currently the Grand Canyon Railway, owned and operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, runs up to two trains per day to the park from Williams, Arizona – saving approximately 300 daily vehicle trips during the peak visitor season.” That is approximately 50,000 cars, trucks and campers that will not add wear, tear and crowding to roads leading in and out of the park, thanks to the train.

Before the railroad opened in 1901, tourists had to fork over $15.00 for a three-day stagecoach ride to see the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, they were accommodated in tent camps, a situation that didn’t change until the Santa Fe Railroad hired architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Coulter to design six iconic buildings for the park, mostly on the South Rim.

• Hopi House, 1905
• Hermit’s Rest, 1914
• Lookout Studio, 1914
• Phantom Ranch, 1922
• The Watchtower at Desert View, 1932
• Bright Angel Lodge, 1935

Her work still stands today, having become an integral part of this vast, commanding landscape.

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 So put on your boots, hop on the train, and go. The Grand Canyon is waiting.

Grand Canyon Park Series: Please visit pendleton-usa.com to see our current assortment

Grand Canyon #pendle10park explorer: Kristian Irey  Instagram:  @kristianirey