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According
to the excellent Architecture in Texas 1895-1945 by Jay
C. Henry, the El Capitan was perhaps the finest example of Pueblo
Revival Style in Texas. Examples are rare, and it's entirely
possible that the building is the last of its kind in Texas.
In the 1920s,
architecture was changing to accommodate the independent motorist.
Gas stations and out-of-the-way hotels opened up where it was unthinkable
just a few years earlier. Their remote locations made them full-service
out of necessity, but in a few years, "tourist courts" made
their appearance and then motor hotels. The two words became
motel after WWII, although there are a few photographs showing
the word in use as early as 1936.
The Pueblo
Revival Style enjoyed greater popularity in New Mexico, than
Texas. The Franciscan Hotel in Albuquerque, built
by the same architects of the El Capitan was the high-water mark
of this style in 1921.
While the
Franciscan has been razed, another example of this style is found
in Marfa. The
El Paisano was
constructed by Trost and Trost in 1926.
The Paisano is still open at 207 N. Highland in Marfa, with 9
rooms for rent.
See Van Horn,
Texas
Book
Your Hotel Here & Save
Van
Horn Hotels >
©John
Troesser
Thanks to photographer Jason Penney, we are able to show our readers
the present state of the El Capitan Hotel, which is now home to
Van Horn State Bank / Van Horn Office Supplies / Radio Shack.
August
2000 |
