Tower Junction Ranger Station: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Yellowstone National Park, National Park Service
Shapins Associates. 2008. Tower Junction Ranger Station: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Yellowstone National Park, National Park Service. Cultural Landscapes Inventory Report. 975154. NPS Intermountain Regional Office. Intermountatin Regional Office/CLI Database
The Tower Junction Ranger Station Historic District is located in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. This part of the park derives its name from the junction of two key park roads and the nearby scenic attraction known as Tower Fall. The two roads, the Grand Loop Road and the Northeast Entrance Road, were both originally constructed in the first decade of the twentieth century. National Park Service (NPS) employees commonly refer to the inventory unit as “the government area” or “Tower Ranger Station.” This CLI uses “Tower Junction Ranger Station Historic District” to identify the existing historic district, which was determined eligible for listing on the National Register (NR) in 1997. Development of the inventory unit began in 1907, when the Tower Fall(s) Solider Station was moved to the site. While some sources record that the earliest extant structure was built as late as 1914 or 1916, the recently published Administrative History reports a construction date of 1907. It began as the main Soldier Station building and became the Tower Fall(s) Ranger Station with the establishment of the NPS in 1916. Although the district has evolved considerably, the utilitarian character and administrative function of the complex has been retained. No buildings or landscape structures are currently listed on the National Register, though the district was determined eligible at the local level for its association with the development of administrative facilities in Yellowstone National Park. It also served as a road camp for crews tasked with repairing and improving roads through the park. CLI researchers concur with this determination of significance, but believe that the district is also eligible at the local level for embodying the distinctive design characteristics of the NPS Rustic Style. The style, commonly used in landscape design and architecture during this period of park development, is illustrated through the use of native materials and workmanship that blends built and natural landscape elements. This is evident in the district’s buildings and features, such as log fencing and modifications made to the Ranger Station in 1924-1925. Stones were placed around the base of the structure to suggest a heavy foundation, and the exterior was painted a dark color. The landscape patterns are also representative of the style, with an emphasis on preserving views and natural features. This CLI recommends that the existing DOE be amended to include this additional criterion and to include landscape features that contribute to the significance of the district. Furthermore, the period of significance, subject to additional findings, should be set at 1907-1945, beginning with the site’s development and continuing until the Rustic design period ends. Overall, the district possesses historic integrity, and its physical condition is good as of 2008.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Shapins Associates
- Date of Issue
- 2008-07-29
- Publisher
- NPS Intermountain Regional Office
- Units
- IMR , YELL
- Keywords
- Administrative and Concessions Development in Yellowstone National Park, Administrative Complex, Architecture, Automobiles, Barn, Bunkhouse, Conservation of Natural resources, corral, fire cache, Garage, Grand Loop Road, Land Travel West of the Mississippi After 1840, Landscape architecture, log cabins, Log Fence, Lost Creek, Mess House, Northeast Entrance Road, Origin and Development of the National Park Service, Park County, Pleasant Valley, Politics-Government, ranger residence, Recreation, Road Camp, rustic architecture, Rustic style, Soldier Station, Tourism, Tower Fall, Tower Falls, Tower Ranger Station, Transportation, Vernacular Landscape, Wyoming