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Montezuma Castle National Monument
History & Culture
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Early visitors to Montezuma Castle could access the ruins via a series of ladders propped against the cliffs. |
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On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt celebrated the passage of the Antiquities Act by declaring four sites of historic and cultural significance as our nation's first National Monuments. Among these was Montezuma Castle, which the President identified as a place "of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest." Although very few original artifacts remained in the structure due to intensive looting of the site, Roosevelt's decision assured the continued protection of one of the best preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America.
Montezuma Castle National Monument quickly became a destination for America's first car-bound tourists. In 1933, "Castle A", a 45-50 room, pueblo ruin was excavated, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and greatly enhanced our understanding of the Sinagua people who inhabited this riparian "oasis" along Beaver Creek for over 400 years.
Early visitors to the monument were allowed access to the structure by climbing a series of ladders up the side of the limestone cliffs. However, due to extensive damage to this valuable cultural landmark, public access of the ruins was discontinued in 1951.
Now, approximately 350,000 people a year gaze through the the windows of the past during a visit to Montezuma Castle. Even 600 years after their departure, the legacy of the Sinagua people continues to inspire the imaginations of this and future generations.
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![Montezuma Castle Outdoor Exhibit, 1950's](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117164650im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/pgallerycontent/p/s/20070319114841.jpg) |
Historic Photographs (10 Photos)
Images of Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well from 1886 through the late 1950's.
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![The Hohokam grew corn using a sophisticated irrigation system. The Hohokam grew corn using a sophisticated irrigation system.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117164650im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CAGR_corn-130.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Farmers have grown crops in the Salt and Gila River valleys for over 2000 years. The Hohokam produced corn, squash, beans, and cotton by creating a flood irrigation system with over 1000 miles of canals.
more...
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Last Updated: March 24, 2007 at 14:19 EST |