Our Unique History

Since 1876, Fred Harvey, a prominent purveyor of hospitality services and products throughout the southwest, lives on in the spirit of our stores in our nation's historic parks and famous resorts.

Who Was Fred Harvey

Fred Harvey was a talented visionary who saw the need for quality hotels and restaurants for weary travelers making their way west on the Santa Fe Railroad. Working in concert with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, English-born immigrant Fred Harvey began establishing his highly successful "Harvey Houses" in 1876, the first of which was located in Topeka, Kansas. By offering good food served promptly - in sharp contrast to many other early Western eateries - Harvey enjoyed tremendous success. The famous "Harvey Girls," carefully trained, well-groomed young women who were hired as waitresses, further increased customer traffic. Before long, Harvey was operating restaurants, hotels, and newsstands in increasing numbers along the A.T.& S.F. route.

After Harvey's death in 1901, his sons, Ford and Byron, continued to operate the now substantial family business. Noted architect Mary Jane Colter was hired to design several buildings for the Harvey Company, including the Bright Angel Lodge, Desert View Watchtower, Phantom Ranch, Hopi House, Hermits Rest and Lookout Studio at the Grand Canyon. "Harveycars," replete with tour guides, transported growing numbers of tourists to scenic attractions. Fine Native American crafts became a hallmark for the Harvey retail shops, many of which also employed regional artisans to demonstrate their skills in making a variety of items.

Perhaps more than any single organization, the Fred Harvey system introduced the New America to New Americans. Today, Xanterra Parks & Resorts continues to operate the Fred Harvey Trading Company according to the same philosophy as the "Civilizer of the West," a nickname Fred Harvey was given in the 1880s. Fred Harvey believed that operating in remote locations was no reason to sacrifice quality, service and value. From vacation mementos to true works of art, today's visitors find a wide variety of gifts suitable for every member of the family.

The History Lives On…