Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico – Legends of America

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Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico – Legends of America

Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico – Legends of America

Nestled in the heart of San Juan County in northwestern New Mexico, the Aztec Ruins National Monument stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Ancestral Puebloan people. These ancient ruins, far from being connected to the Aztec civilization of Mexico, offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of a thriving community that flourished over a thousand years ago. As you step onto this historic ground, you’re transported back in time, walking in the footsteps of those who meticulously planned and constructed this remarkable settlement.

A Planned Community by the Animas River

The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, chose this location strategically, recognizing the life-sustaining potential of the Animas River. The river provided a reliable source of water, essential for their agricultural pursuits. Perched on a terrace overlooking the river, the pueblo grew into an extensive community, featuring a diverse array of structures. These included grand public buildings, smaller residential pueblos, intricate earthworks, ceremonial buildings, and well-defined roads that connected the community.

This meticulously planned community likely served as a vital hub for trade, ceremonial gatherings, and administrative functions for the many scattered communities associated with Chaco Canyon. The influence of the Chaco culture, which held sway over much of this region between 850 A.D. and 1130 A.D., is evident in the architectural, ceramic, and ceremonial styles of the Aztec Ruins’ early inhabitants and builders.

A Bustling Center for Over Two Centuries

Aztec was a vibrant community for over two centuries. Its carefully planned layout reveals that the initial Ancestral Pueblo builders had a grand vision for their community. By the time construction ceased in the late 1200s, the community comprised several great houses, great kivas, smaller residential pueblos, earthworks, roads, and tri-walled kivas. The structures and landscapes were constructed and modified to give continuity and formality to the community’s overall essence. The builders used local adobe mud for the structures’ walls. They used cottonwood, pinyon pine, juniper, pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen, which they obtained from mountains many miles away for roofing.

Around 1100 A.D., as the influence of Chaco Canyon began to wane, the Aztec Ruins community may have emerged as a significant center in its own right. However, by approximately 1300 A.D., the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned the region, dispersing in various directions to the south. The reasons for their departure are multifaceted, likely stemming from a combination of drought, climate changes, depletion of natural resources, and shifts in social dynamics.

Misattribution and Rediscovery

The ruins acquired their name due to a historical misattribution by 19th-century American settlers, who mistakenly believed that the Aztec civilization of Mexico had constructed them. The first documented description of the Aztec Ruins was penned by geologist J.S. Newberry, who visited the site in August 1859. Later, in July 1879, Lewis H. Morgan published the first ground plan and a more detailed description of the ruins following his visit.

However, it wasn’t until archaeologist Earl H. Morris commenced systematic excavations of the West Ruin in 1916 that the site began to reveal its secrets. Morris dedicated six field seasons, between 1919 and 1928, to meticulously excavating the West Ruin, unearthing valuable insights into the lives of its former inhabitants.

Preservation and Recognition

In 1920, the American Museum of Natural History recognized the significance of the ruins and acquired them, subsequently transferring ownership to the United States government. In January 1923, the area was officially designated as a National Monument, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.

The excavations at the site have yielded a treasure trove of artifacts, providing a tangible connection to the past. These artifacts include remnants of food, stone and wood tools, clothing crafted from cotton and feathers, fiber sandals, and exquisite jewelry fashioned from turquoise and shells.

Architectural Marvels: Great Houses and Kivas

The great houses within the West and East Ruins stand as impressive examples of public architecture. These large, interconnected buildings feature numerous rooms surrounding a central plaza, reflecting a communal way of life. The West Ruin, the largest preserved structure, is a D-shaped great house constructed in the early 1100s. Boasting at least 400 interconnected rooms spread across three stories, the site was occupied for over 200 years. Some of its walls reach an impressive height of 30 feet, showcasing the remarkable engineering skills of the Ancestral Puebloans.

A prominent feature of the West Ruin is the excavated and reconstructed Great Kiva, situated in the center of the plaza. These semi-subterranean structures, used for community-wide ceremonial events, held immense cultural significance. The Great Kiva at Aztec Ruins, with a diameter of over 40 feet, stands as the oldest and largest reconstructed building of its kind, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual heart of the community.

The Hubbard Site: A Unique Tri-Walled Structure

The Hubbard Site, dating back to the early 1100s, is another remarkable feature of the Aztec Ruins National Monument. It is one of only a handful of tri-walled structures found in the Southwest, distinguished by its three concentric walls divided into 22 rooms, including a kiva. Earl Morris, the American Museum of Natural History archaeologist, meticulously reconstructed the Hubbard Site in 1934, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique architectural design and layout.

Exploring the Ruins: A Self-Guided Journey

A half-mile self-guided visitor trail meanders through the Aztec Ruins, offering an immersive experience into the world of the Ancestral Puebloans. The trail leads visitors through a great house that once served as the center of a large regional community, allowing them to explore the reconstructed Great Kiva and original rooms with intact timber roofs and original mortar in some walls.

A Visitor Center with a Storied Past

Even the visitor center itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the historical significance of the site. Originally, this building served as a residence and workspace for Earl Morris in 1919. Later, a large public lobby and museum space were added to the west, transforming the building into a welcoming center for visitors. The Aztec Ruins Administration Building, a one-story, irregularly shaped structure, showcases the Pueblo Revival style, reflecting the architectural traditions of the region. When initially built, it incorporated not only aboriginal construction strategies and design features but also fieldstone and timbers cut and harvested by the prehistoric builders and occupants of Aztec Ruins.

A World Heritage Site

As part of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park World Heritage Site, the Aztec Ruins National Monument holds a place of global significance. It stands as the largest Ancestral Pueblo in the Animas River Valley, offering invaluable insights into the cultural and architectural achievements of this ancient civilization. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1966, further solidifying its importance in preserving the heritage of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Visiting the Aztec Ruins National Monument

Located on the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, the Aztec Ruins National Monument is conveniently situated one mile north of Aztec, New Mexico, near U.S. 550 and NM 516. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply seeking a unique and enriching travel experience, the Aztec Ruins National Monument offers a captivating journey into the past, inviting you to explore the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans and their remarkable contributions to the cultural landscape of the American Southwest.

More Information:

Aztec Ruins National Monument
725 Ruins Road
Aztec, New Mexico 87410
505-334-6174
https://www.nps.gov/azru/index.htm