Pratt, Wallace, Lodge
At jct. of N and S branch of McKittrick Canyon, Gaudalupe Mountain National Park, TXWallace E. Pratt, a world-renowned geologist who pioneered the techniques of scientific oil exploration, began construction of a summer place at this site in 1930. As a geologist he recognized the scientific value of the Capitan Barrier Fossil Reef, but purchased the McKittrick Canyon property for its aesthetic qualities, stating that natural beauty in itself is a resource to be valued. An avid conservationist, he was a vigorous proponent of techniques designed to conserve oil and gas resources, and when he began ranching the McKittrick Canyon property upon his retirement from the business world he exhibited no less concern for the ecology of the area. A pioneer in the field of ecological concern, he was 20 years ahead of his time. When health forced his departure from McKittrick Canyon, his concern that the area is preserved in its natural state prompted his donation of the initial 5,632 acres which formed the nucleus of what was to become Guadalupe Mountain, National Park.
The architecture of the structures reflects Mr. Pratt's philosophies. Of simple design and pleasing proportions, the structure is constructed almost entirely of native stone. The indigenous character of the structures harmonizes beautifully with the setting and they are therefore worthy of preservation on the basis of their architectural merit alone, to say nothing of the significance of their association with Mr. Pratt.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.