Mesa
Verde
Outstanding
Features
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- Cliff Palace
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Established by Congress
on September 29, 1906, Mesa
Verde is the first National Park set aside to preserve the
works of man. Mesa Verde also provides the visitor with
spectacular views in all directions. From Park Point at 8,571
feet in elevation, you can see over 100 miles into Colorado,
Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. |
| Mesa Verde occupies part
of a large plateau rising high above the Montezuma and Mancos
Valleys in Colorado, and preserves a spectacular remnant of
the Anasazi
culture. |
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- Balcony house
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- Far View Ruins
- This mesa top
area was densely populated from A.D. 900 - 1300 Nearby
is Mummy Lake, a large circular depression which may have served
as a reservoir.
- Cedar Tree Tower and
Kiva - This tower may have been used
as a lookout post, prehistoric farming terraces are nearby.
- Spruce Tree House
- Discovered shortly after Cliff Palace,
it was named for a large tree growing in front of the ruins.
- Cliff Palace -
The largest ruin in the park, its chance
discovery in 1888 led to extensive explorations and wide public
interest.
- Balcony House -
One of the last cliff dwellings occupied,
around A.D. 1282, has an easily defended entrance way.
- Step House Cave
- This cave contains ruins from two periods;
pithouses dating from Basketmaker
III (A.D. 600), and more elaborate houses from the classic pueblo
times.
- Long House - Noted
for its large central plaza used for dances and village ceremonies.
- Square Tower House
- This the tallest and one of the most
photogenic ruins in the park.
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- Occupation Period
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- Outstanding Features
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- Location
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- Discovery
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