Overview
Opened in 1905, El Tovar Hotel grew in popularity over the years due to the number of tourists flocking to the Grand Canyon. Added to the National Register of Historic Places and made a cultural landmark, some of those who book a room at the hotel know little about its haunted past or of the grave located on the historic property.
That grave belongs to a young woman who once worked as a ?Harvey Girl.? Harvey was a popular chain of hotels during the early part of the 20th centuries, and young woman who worked for the company went by that popular nickname. Harvey wanted his girls to wear traditional uniforms with starched white aprons and black dresses to project a sophisticated look. That is why the ghost seen here is so odd. Visitors sometimes see a figure clad in a long black dress with a black cape and black veil over her face standing near the grave or walking nearby. Some think she was a relative of the woman buried there.
Fred Harvey, the former owner of the hotel, also haunts the hotel and seems particularly fond of the third floor. Workers report seeing him most frequently during holiday parties and events. The Fred Harvey Company typically built hotels near railroad lines and near depots to assist those traveling by chain. Though Harvey died years ago, he seems to enjoy sticking around to ensure the hotel still runs smoothly. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, and while visiting the national park, some guests may stop by the El Tavor Hotel for a quick ghost hunt.
