Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, Texas

by John Margolies

Celebrate the quintessential representation of retro road trip nostalgia through this remarkable photo by John Margolies of the legendary Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, Texas. In this photo captured under the broad, clear blue sky, there is displayed an array of immaculate white concrete teepees lined up in a green field. Margolies’ photo depicts every single detail of the unique architecture of the motel, from the colorfully painted tops of the wigwams and awnings in blue, teal and orange colors to the overall mid-century novelty architecture.

Built in 1942 on U.S. Route 59, the Tee Pee Motel is considered one of the most renowned examples of the American "mimetic" and novelty architecture.