MESA VERDE
Guidebook
1940
NPS Logo

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary

19 DOI logo 40
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Arno B. Cammerer, Director

CONTENTS

Cover (Spruce Tree House)

Prehistoric Inhabitants of the Mesa Verde
The Ruins
Geology, Fauna, and Flora
How to Reach the Park
Motor Transportation
Administration
Educational Service
Accommodations and Expenses
Free Public Campgrounds


Historic Events

1st century1 B.C. or A. D. Earliest occupation of Cliff Palace by Basket Makers was around beginning of Christian era.
4th to 7th1 centuries A.D. Early agriculturists developed art of pottery making. Semisubterranean homes spread widely over the Mesa Verde.
7th to 10th1 centuries A.D. Pueblo culture on Mesa Verde developed toward classical stage, culminating in the building of the great cliff dwellings.
1066 Earliest date established for large Mesa Verde cliff dwellings.
1073-1273 Construction of Cliff Palace.
1276 Beginning of 24-year drought, one of causes of evacuation of Mesa Verde.
1776 Padre de Escalante expedition camped near base of Mesa Verde.
1859 Ascent of north escarpment by Capt. Macomb and geological party.
1874 Discovery of Mancos Canyon ruins by U. S. Geological Survey party.
1888 Discovery of Cliff Palace and other ruins by R. Wetherill and C. Mason.
1891 Baron Nordeoskiöld led first organized archeological expedition to area.
1906 Mesa Verde National Park created June 29.
1907 to date Excavations of ruins undertaken by noted archeologists.

1Approximate dating.


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Last Updated: 20-Jun-2010