History & Culture

Wupatki National Monument was established by President Calvin Coolidge on December 9, 1924, to preserve Citadel and Wupatki pueblos. Monument boundaries have been adjusted several times since then, and now include additional pueblos and other archeological resources on a total of 35,422 acres.

Wupatki represents a cultural crossroads, home to numerous groups of people over thousands of years. Understanding of earlier people comes from multiple perspectives, including the traditional history of the people themselves and interpretations by archeologists of structures and artifacts that remain. You can explore both through the links on this page.

 
  • A variety of pottery sherds on the ground next to a small grass plant.
    Archeological Artifacts

    The physical evidence of human history in Wupatki goes back over 13,000 years.

  • Large black basalt rocks with petroglyphs of a spiral and a human hand.
    People

    The human connection to Wupatki and the surrounding lands goes back thousands of years and continues to be made today.

  • A stone house in the Pueblo Revival style with a small courtyard and three large front windows.
    Historic Register Places in Wupatki

    The Civilian Conservation Corps and the NPS Mission 66 project created the historic buildings you see today at the Wupatki Visitor Center.

Last updated: March 18, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6400 U.S. 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Phone:

928-679-2365

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