Photo by: Jacob Lips
America may enjoy the presence of many national parks, but none is as archaeologically important as the Mesa Verde National Park in Montezuma County, Colorado. The area is not that large, just over 52,000 acres, but has a rich history.
History
The Paleo-Indians first settled in the Mesa Verde region around 9500 BCE. The activities of the first settlers were recorded, based on the archaeological findings in the area. They exercised nomadic culture during the Early Archaic period in North America, sometime in 6000 BCE. By 1,000 BCE, the natives started settling permanently in the Mesa Verde region, and the basket-crafting culture was established. The craft was first of its kind in the community, which expanded to various items, discovered later during archaeological excavations. By 750 AD, the place was already inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans.
The extreme weather conditions in the 13th century compelled Puebloans to leave Mesa Verde. The area was nearly uninhabited by the turn of the next century. In 1776, an expedition led to the discovery of Mesa Verde, which was then occupied by the Ute people.
That discovery eventually led to many explorations as well as important archaeological studies.
Journalist Virginia McLurg was credited for the rediscovery of Echo Cliff House, Three Tier House and Balcony House in 1885. This started McLurg’s lobby to prompt the government to declare Mesa Verda, a protected site. In 1889, the Goodman Point Pueblo became the first archaeological site in Mesa Verde to gain federal protection. Finally, in 1906, the law that formally created the Mesa Verde National Park was passed.
The park was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978 and registered into the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, on Oct. 15, 1966.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Places to visit
There are over 5,000 important sites that tourists can visit at the park. But here is a rundown of the more important spots to check out:
Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
While this is hardly the most interesting site among the 5,000 in the park, it is very helpful to start the tour here because rangers can help visitors plan their tour. This is also where visitors can buy their tickets to Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
Cliff Dwellings
There are over 600 cliff dwellings in the park. They are believed to have been made during the 11th Century. The dwellings were discovered during various excavations, carried out before the 1900s. Here are some of the more significant dwellings:
Cliff Palace – Based on studies, this dwelling had 150 rooms occupied by around 100 people. Since this was among the biggest dwellings discovered, it is believed to be a place where Puebloans gathered for various ceremonies. Most dwellings only have one to five rooms.
Balcony House – This is a 40-room dwelling with quite a challenging climb for visitors, because of a 32-foot entrance ladder. But it will be worth it just to check out the well-preserved rooms, kivas, and plazas.
Long House – This is the second-largest dwelling.
Spruce Tree House – Discovered to be the third-largest dwelling, the Spruce Tree House had 130 rooms and eight kivas. Studies claimed that about 60 to 80 people lived there during its prime.
Step House – Archaeologists found evidence, suggesting that the area was occupied during two different timelines: sometime in 626 and in 1226.
Badger House Community
This area contains four sites that will enrich a visitor’s historical and cultural knowledge, of some of the more famous Native American tribes. The four sites are Modified Basketmaker Pithouse, Developmental Pueblo village, Badger House and Two Raven House.
Cedar Tree Tower
Towers are usually associated with a kiva among the Ancestral Puebloans, which is an indicator that this tower is a place of worship or ceremony.
Far View Sites Complex
Far View was a densely populated area around 900 to 1300 AD. Around 50 villages were believed to have been close to Far View. The complex also includes the following sites: Coyote Village, Far View House, Far View Reservoir, Far View Tower and Megalithic House.
Sun Temple
This is believed to be a structure for ceremonies because it didn’t have roof beams. The structure is an architectural marvel, even if it was built thousands of years ago before machinery was invented.
Mesa Top Loop Road
This is a six-mile drive that allows tourists to make certain stops, and check out the view of the Cliff Palace. Some of the pull-outs also feature short trails.
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
Visitors can check out the craftsmanship of the Ancestral Puebloans in this museum.
Photo by: Jacob Lips