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Wupatki National Monument, Arizona
Author: Moody 75 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Wupatki National Monument is a cultural heritage site in Coconino County, Arizona. Located near Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and close to the city of Flagstaff, Wupatki preserves the ruins of the Ancient Pueblo People, particularly the Sinagua, Cohonina and Kayenta Anasazi tribes. It was established on 9 December, 1924.
Ancient Puebloan ruins at Wupatki National Monument
Author: Moody 75 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Wupatki National Monument covers 35,254 acres (142 sq km). It contains ruins of settlements which were established there around the 12th and 13th centuries. This followed in the wake of the 11th century eruption of Sunset Crater, which covered the area with a layer of rich volcanic soil, attracting people settle and farm there.
According to scientists, about 2,000 early Native American people moved into the area in the years following the big eruption. As the area is arid, with with few natural springs and streams, the people had to rely on collecting rain water.
Many of the dwellings erected during that period are still standing. They are built using flat red stones held together with mortar. Each detached housing may have as many as twenty rooms. The largest of them all, called Wupatki, which means "tall house" in the Hopi language, was built on a natural rocky outcrop. It has over a hundred rooms, and was the biggest structure in the area.
Wall built by the early Native Americans at Wupatki National Monument
Author: striatic (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Today the site remains abandoned and desolate. The Hopi people believe that the spirits of the department continue to dwell in the area, hence it should be visited with reverence.
Visiting Wupatki National Monument, Arizona
The site is after Sunset Crater Volcano. View location and direction on map. From Flagstaff, take US Highway 89 heading north for 12 miles (19 km) until you see the sign to turn right to Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monument. From this junction, the site is another 21 miles (34 km). You will pass Sunset Crater Volcano on your left. The visitor center is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm MST daily except on Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $5.00 per person aged 16 and above, valid for 7 days.Return to National Monuments of the United States
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