Canyon de Chelly

Discovered by Lt. J.H. Simpson in 1849
 

The first Europeans to see the extensive ruins in Canyon de Chelly are unknown. A Spanish map of 1776 indicates its location, and other documents reveal that the Spanish military expeditions sometimes passed through the neighborhood. In 1805, Spanish trips entered the canyon while trying to suppress Navajo raids. During the period of Mexican rule (1821-46), a number of military expeditions against the Navajo invaded the Canyon de Chelly region. Though the ruins had not been described in writing, the area was fairly well known, and by 1846, when the "Army of the West" brought the region under United States control, there were many tall tales and rumors about the wonderful cities built in the cliffs.
In 1849, the New Mexico territorial government found it necessary to request that a U.S. Army expedition be sent to subdue the Navajos. Lt. J.H. Simpson of the Topographical Engineers accompanied the troops. His journal, published in 1850, contained the first detailed account of some of the Canyon de Chelly ruins.

Occupation Period

Outstanding Features

Location

Discovery