Trans-Canyon Telephone Line, Grand Canyon National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Trans-Canyon Telephone Line, Grand Canyon National Park
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 Location in Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Grand Canyon, Arizona |
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| Built | 1934 |
| Architect | Civilian Conservation Corps; National Park Service |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001102 |
| Added to NRHP | May 13, 1986 |
The Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is a special phone line located in Grand Canyon National Park. It stretches across the amazing Grand Canyon, connecting the South Rim to the North Rim. This important line helps people communicate across the deep canyon.
Connecting the Grand Canyon
This unique telephone line crosses the entire Grand Canyon. It starts on the South Rim near the Bright Angel Lodge. From there, it goes down a path called Pipe Creek. Then, it crosses the mighty Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.
On the north side, the line follows Bright Angel Creek. It goes all the way up to the North Rim. The line was first set up around 1924. It has been an important way to connect the two sides of the canyon ever since.
How the Line Was Built
The telephone line was updated between 1938 and 1939. This work was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a special program during the Great Depression. Young men worked on projects to improve parks and natural areas. They helped build and maintain many important structures.
The phone line uses 592 special supports. These supports are made from 2 inch (about 5 cm) galvanized pipes. They also use special fittings. These parts were easy to carry and put together. This helped protect the beautiful canyon environment.
A Unique Design
The Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is a rare example of "open-wire copper-weld technology." This means the wires are open and not covered in a thick cable. They are made from a mix of copper and steel. This design was common a long time ago.
The line stretches for about 18 miles (29 km). It runs alongside famous trails like the Bright Angel Trail and the North Kaibab Trail. It provides a direct link between the North and South Rims. It also connects to areas deep inside the canyon. A smaller line even goes along the South Kaibab Trail to a spot called the Tipoff.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique construction and long history, the Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1986. This means it is recognized as a significant part of American history and engineering.
