“Robert Smithson’s Iconic ‘Spiral Jetty’ Recognized on National Register of Historic Places”
# Robert Smithson’s *Spiral Jetty*: An Icon of Land Art Joins the National Register of Historic Places
The late American artist Robert Smithson’s monumental creation, *Spiral Jetty* (1970), has been formally inducted into the United States National Register of Historic Places. Located at Rozel Point on the northeastern shore of Utah’s Great Salt Lake, *Spiral Jetty* epitomizes the fluid interplay between art and nature while embodying themes of impermanence, change, and the passage of time. This achievement marks a significant moment for the preservation and recognition of Land Art, a movement that seeks to push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.
## A Vision Inspired by Entropy
Smithson, a visionary in the Land Art movement, was captivated by the concept of entropy — the natural process of decay and transformation. His decision to create *Spiral Jetty* at the Great Salt Lake was fueled by the unique environment of the area. The lake’s hypersalinity, which imparts a striking reddish-pink coloration to the water, was of particular interest to Smithson. The surrounding landscape was dotted with remnants of industrial activity, including rusted oil rigs, abandoned piers, and dilapidated shacks, presenting a poignant scene of human efforts succumbing to nature’s inevitable reclamation.
In 1970, Smithson leased 10 acres of land at Rozel Point for $100 annually (a fee renewed for 20 years), setting the stage for an artistic experiment that would transcend traditional definitions of sculpture. With financial backing from the Virginia Dwan Gallery in New York — to the tune of $9,000 — Smithson mobilized dump trucks, tractors, and front-end loaders to transport 6,650 tons of black basalt rock, mud, and earth. Over the course of a week, he and his team meticulously constructed a 1,500-foot coil that spiraled counterclockwise out into the lake, its 15-foot-wide configuration slowly taking on iconic status within the art world.
## *Spiral Jetty*: The Intersection of Art and Ecology
Initially conceived as a J-shaped jetty, Smithson later reshaped the structure into the now-famous spiral form, a design that alludes to the cyclical patterns of time and nature. For Smithson, the spiral represented the interplay between growth and decay, permanence and transience. He intentionally selected the location, knowing the fluctuating water levels would influence the sculpture’s appearance over time. During times of recession, salt crystals would form on the rocks, imbuing them with a shimmering, otherworldly quality.
Smithson’s predictions of change proved prophetic. From 1972 to 2002, *Spiral Jetty* was completely submerged beneath the lake’s rising waters. Entropy took an unexpected turn when drought conditions caused by climate change revealed the jetty, reintroducing it to the world and reinvigorating public interest. Tragically, Smithson never witnessed this chapter in his artwork’s history, as he died in a plane crash just three years after completing *Spiral Jetty* in 1973.
## Preservation and Cultural Significance
Following Smithson’s death, his widow and fellow artist, Nancy Holt, took steps to ensure *Spiral Jetty’s* preservation. In 1999, Holt donated the work to the Dia Art Foundation, a pivotal organization in Land Art preservation. The foundation has since worked to protect the sculpture from environmental and human threats, including recurring proposals for oil drilling in the area during the 2000s. In 2017, Utah formally adopted *Spiral Jetty* as the Official State Work of Art, cementing its cultural importance.
The recent designation of *Spiral Jetty* on the National Register of Historic Places is a momentous step in safeguarding its legacy. This listing ensures greater protections and highlights the national significance of the artwork. The Dia Art Foundation’s Director, Jessica Morgan, noted, “Beloved in Utah and far beyond, this artwork has come to mean many things to many people, and we are proud to continue our work caring and advocating for *Spiral Jetty* to preserve it for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Today, *Spiral Jetty* is regarded as one of the most iconic examples of Land Art, blending artistic ingenuity with environmental context. It has become a sought-after destination for art enthusiasts and adventurers alike. However, its remote location and ecological vulnerability necessitate strict regulations, including prohibitions against foot access, removing rocks, or leaving litter, to minimize the impact of human interaction.
As it stands, *Spiral Jetty* is both a reflection of the changing natural world and a testament to the power of art to connect us with the environment. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places not only ensures its preservation but also reaffirms its status as a cultural landmark where art, history,