Stronghold House

Stronghold House’s features seem defensive to many, but may not have been built for that purpose.

NPS photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Square Tower Group

Significance:

Unique ancestral Puebloan structure.

Amenities

2 listed

Benches/Seating, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Stronghold House was named for its fortress-like appearance, though it is not clear whether its architects designed it or any other structures for defense. The builders may simply have been following an aesthetic sense or responding to the challenges of the terrain. What you see is actually the upper story of a large pueblo, which now lies in rubble, built on the slope below. People entered the house by way of hand-and-toe holds chipped into the rock, or possibly by a wooden ladder. Stronghold House has two distinct sections, and the stone blocks are exceptionally well shaped. To your right is Stronghold Tower, built over a crevice in the cliff. At one time, a log bridged the crevice and supported part of the tower. The log rotted away, and most of the tower tumbled to the canyon bottom.

The unique stone towers and other buildings at Hovenweep are extremely fragile. To help preserve them, observe proper site etiquette.

• Remain on marked trails.

• Do not enter or touch any structure.

• Do not touch or disturb any artifacts, including pottery sherds, arrow points, or rock art. Once removed from context, the story they tell is gone forever.