The Pueblo Indians

Centuries ago, in the 1190s, huts and rock shelters began appearing in the cliffs of southern Colorado. These were being built by Pueblo Indians, the native peoples of the land, who then went on to inhabit the sights for another seven hundred years. They continued adding new buildings and villages until they reached an impressive total of six hundred cliff dwellings before eventually migrating south into Arizona and Mexico, leaving behind their magnificent architecture, surrounded by protecting cliffs and mysteries.... Scientists were left to discover, date, further explore, and uncover the history of the cliff dwellings. Many artifacts were found, and they greatly helped in learning what life would be like living in one of these villages in the 1190s. On June 29 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established the area as a National Park, protecting it under the law and opening the sites to the public. Since then, new additions have been made to area, including museums, guided tours, visitor centers, restaurants, camping areas, lodging areas, and hiking trails so that visitors can explore and learn the history and impressive architecture and lives of the Pueblo Indians. The
Not only has this park successfully and carefully maintained such remarkable achievements of the early man, but also has transformed the whole visit into a true window to typical Pueblo lifestyles. This information that dives into the traditions and cultures so different than that of our own is vital to providing such an amazing visit. This park is not only a National Park, but an important part of history as well. Keeping these traditions and knowledge alive, I believe, makes the Pueblo life a lasting memory in us all; forever amazed at the "works of man", from simple canyon to a new home; a community, full of life and tradition, that is still imprinted there