Mesa Verde

Long, long ago, early Indians led primitive lives. They hunted with a spear, and lived in caves or holes they dug in the ground. They were wanderers in search of food and subsistence. They were expert basket makers, weaving baskets that could hold water or supplies. Shards and pieces of their baskets have withstood time. Today archaeologists refer to them as Basketmakers or Pit People.

Over time they became less nomadic and started farming. They developed improved construction methods and added poles and roof coverings to their homes..

The homes had ante chambers used for storage, as well as one main living chamber.

The bow and arrow was added to their hunting arsenal which also added new foods to their diet.

As the Anasazi (or Ancient Ones, in Navajo) came in contact with other tribal groups, they learned the art of pottery which extended their ability to cook and prepare foods, as well as store it. They settled down and began farming; first corn and squash, and later beans. The three crops grew well together. The corn provided a pole for the beans, while the leaves of the squash shaded the ground, holding the moisture in. The corn became a staple, the squash added needed vitamins and minerals, and the beans provided more protein.

They developed better housing and built stick frames covered with clay, the first pueblos.

These "stick and wattle" homes evolved into sturdier homes made of adobe brick.

Ruins of an early Puebloan village

Mesa Verde means Green Table

 They lived on the mesas, in villages, surrounded by their crops. The mesa offered a more moderate climate than the floor of the valley. For one thing, it was slightly tilted toward the summer sun. The growing season was longer up there, than in the valley. The daytime temperatures had breezes to keep them cool. The nighttime temperatures didn't get as cold as those in the valley.

Then one day, for unknown reasons, they moved off of the mesas and down into cliff caves. They took the bricks from their homes and created new dwelling places in the cliffs.

This was the story we have learned as we visited many places in the southwest, but in particular, it is the story told in Mesa Verde.

There are many preserved cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. Most are viewed from the park road, but a few can be walked through. When we were there, one cliff dwelling tour was offered. It was accessible, via a 32 foot ladder entrance, and a tunnel to crawl through for the exit. We opted out of that opportunity! Another cliff dwelling was closed due to a rock slide. Spruce House was open for self-guided visits. Many tours are available only in the summer.
Even so, it was a fascinating place to explore.

The Anasazi actually chipped foot and hand holds into the rock so they could climb in and out of the caves!

Notice the 4-story tower in the back of this cave. 

Cliff Palace

Spruce House was accessible via a steep path.

We first came to Mesa Verde 40 years ago when our first child was 5 months old. We were visiting my cousin who lived in Durango. She brought us to the park. Since then, I have been intrigued by the pueblos. I really wanted to come back.

We drove the rim road, stopped at pullouts, stopped at the Visitor Center and absorbed all we could of this fascinating era. They lived in the cliffs for less than 100 years. Archaeologists can only guess why they moved into caves in the first place or why they left.

Like the archaeologists, I have my own unanswered question.

How would you raise a child in there?!