pioneer cemetery, hopi house

State Route 64 North heads back up into the Grand Canyon Village. From that point you can navigate in a circular loop through the many historical landmarks in the park. I stopped by the National Park Headquarters to pick up a map of the area and get guidance and tips from the Rangers.

Behind the building is the Pioneer Cemetary, which serves as a final resting place to many involved in the development and protection of the location.

People interred at the cemetery include Grand Canyon pioneers, war veterans, tribal members, and employees of the park concessionaires, US Forest Service, and National Park Service.

This grave marker caught my eye, as it was made from a piece of petrified wood. A unique monument of memorabilia.

A little further west along South Entrance Road takes you to the next section of historical buildings and views. The Hopi House is designed in an authentic Pueblo style by Mary Colter, who is also responsible for the Desert View Watchtower at the east entrance.

Mary Colter designed the building to resemble a Hopi dwelling similar to those at Oraibi, Arizona. In its early years, Hopi House was an actual dwelling - some of the Hopis who worked in the building lived on the upper floors.

Both floors are dedicated to showcasing and selling arts and crafts of the Hopi in the area. Something about “building from the past” inspires appeal. It implies a present moment where the oration of history speaks a vision into the future.

Whether it’s a cemetery to honor those critical to the building of a place for others to enjoy, or the traditions of a people that call their land home, there are always great stories that precede the ones we write.