Pyramid Guard Station
Rio Blanco County
United States Forest Service (USFS) administrative sites like the Pyramid Guard Station represent the evolution of the agency’s mission from basic custodianship to extensive resource management and conservation. This shift manifested itself in the placement of ranger/guard stations within the forests, allowing rangers to react quickly to resource threats. The Pyramid buildings represent the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps / USFS ethics of conservation, efficiency and working for the public good.
Pyramid Guard Station (2005 photograph.)
Begun in 1934 as one of the first CCC-built complexes in the state, Pyramid is an excellent example of the kind of work done by the CCC in the national forests during the Great Depression. The dwelling, combination building, barn, blacksmith shop and wood shed typify administrative buildings of the USFS Rocky Mountain Region during the CCC era and are excellent examples of Rustic style architecture. The buildings exhibit key style characteristics such as log walls, overhanging eaves with exposed rafters, small paned windows, and the use of local materials in construction. The buildings reflect a local manifestation of a regional style mandated by the USFS for rural areas.