Sunset Crater National Monument was established by President Herbert Hoover on May 26, 1930, to protect its geologic formations.  In 1990 the name was changed to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. It occupies 3,040 acres surrounded by Coconino National Forest.

Understanding of earlier times and people comes from multiple perspectives. These include the traditional history of the people themselves and interpretations by scientists of structures, artifacts, and features that remain. You can explore both through the links on this page.