Around the same time that the crusades were overrunning the holy land, the Vikings were raiding throughout Scandinavia and the Christians were converting Europe, in the pre historic Four Corners area of the Southwestern United States, the puebloan people were building cultural and religious centers in a canyon that we now know as Chaco Canyon.
This area has become known for the buildings that have been left behind: multi-storied architectural wonders which took centuries to build and required extensive planning, engineering, conservation of resources and organization of labor.
Archeological Indicators at Chaco Canyon
Archeologists believe that these cities weren’t used for constant living. Instead people used them as urban centers where religious observances and trade were conducted. Remains indicate that goods including metal bells and parrots were exchanged with Central American cultures for turquoise.
Certain architectural features are other indicators of extensive trade not only with Central American cultures, but also with Puebloan cultures in the Mesa Verde area. Additionally, architectural structures mark solar cycles and certain religiously important days – such as the summer solstice, and pictograms are believed to document celestial events such as a visit by Haley's comet, and a supernova of the Crab Nebula.
Appearance of Ruins in Chaco Canyon
The “greathouse” cultural centers are composed of multi-story stone and mortar horseshoe-shaped enclosures. Although the cultural centers are enclosed within walls, these walls were not designed for defense. Each wall contains small rooms. The walls are core-and veneer design. They are notably broader at the base and narrow as they rise higher.
The roof structure of each room – which became the floor for the room above -- contains massive timbers that were brought to the canyon area from mountains 50 miles away. These timbers were brought along roads that also facilitated trade and travel.
Abandonment of Chaco Canyon
Then, approximately 1150, the Puebloan peoples moved from the area. Possibly in response to a 50 year drought cycle that began in 1130. Deforestation and water management problems also contributed. By around 1250, the greathouses were sealed, and the area was abandoned.
Over the years the area was mostly left undisturbed due to its remote location. In the late 1800’s curiosity seekers and pot hunters began vandalizing the mostly-preserved ruins in a search for relics. Partially due to a push by preservationists concerned over the fate of the ruins, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the canyon a national monument in 1907.
Since that time it has been explored by archeologists attached to the University of New Mexico and the National Geographic Society. It has also been declared a world heritage site.
A visitor’s center and primitive campground is located within the park. Visitors may hike on established trails or take self-guided tours. Unlike the more accessible Mesa Verde, visitors may explore the sites of Chaco Canyon unescorted.
Tracy Morris - Tracy S. Morris is the author of the award winning Tranquility mysteries, a series of southern gothic novels from Yard Dog Press. She is a ...
