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Selling of the Grand Canyon: the Santa Fe, Harvey Company, and the El Tovar Humanities

Selling of the Grand Canyon: the Santa Fe, Harvey Company, and the El Tovar Humanities In-Person

It is no secret that the Southwest has drawn endless adventurers and sight seers with its awe-inspiring beauty. Many of us came to visit and were spellbound with the desert landscape and the towering canyon walls and found ourselves calling the Southwest our new homes. American scientists, artists, writers, fur traders, and explorers had been visiting the Southwest since the early 19th century, discovering new species, new muses, new opportunities, and new trails to traverse. But until the arrival of the railroads most of the Southwest’s beauty remained unattainable to the masses. With this ease of access, interest in both the natural and human history of the region increased immeasurably.

This presentation discusses the efforts of William Haskell Simpson (representing the Railroad) and the Harvey Company to coordinate, sustain, and profit from American interest in the region by building and then promoting the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon. Together the Railroad and Harvey Company played a pivotal role in creating the dominant mythology of the American Southwest. It is common knowledge that the railroad changed the entire course of American history, but this presentation will offer an in depth perspective into the minds of the people who led the charge in making the Southwest a must see destination for all.

Let’s meet the presenter!

John Mack is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a master’s degree in Russian history and a Ph.D. in American history. His book on the settlement of southeast Kansas, Bucking the Railroads on the Kansas Frontier: the struggle over land claims by homesteading Civil Veterans, 1867-1876, was published by McFarland Press in 2012. Dr. Mack has published multiple peer- reviewed articles on aspects of both Russian and US history.

This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities. Arizona Humanities is a statewide 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Arizona Humanities supports public programs that promote the understanding of the human experience in Arizona and provides funds to cultural, educational, and non-profit organizations across the state.

SEATING IS LIMITED! You must register to reserve your spot!

Date:
Friday, February 28, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Time Zone:
Arizona Time (change)
Location:
Javelina Room in the Village
Audience:
  Adult  
Categories:
  Library Program  

Registration is required. There are no seats available but a waiting list is available.

Event Organizer

Tasha Spuches

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