Montezuma Castle, AZ

Montezuma Castle was declared a site of historic and cultural significance by President Roosevelt in 1906. 

Prior to that, looting destroyed much of the original artifacts, but many artifacts were uncovered in 1933 when a 45-50 room pueblo ruin was excavated revealing nearly 4,000 square feet of floor space spread over five stories. In 1951 public access to the ruins was discontinued due to extensive damage  by visitors who were allowed access to the structure, which sits about 90 feet up a sheer limestone cliff, by climbing a series of ladders up the side of the cliffs.  The National Monument now protects a set of well-preserved dwellings built and used by the Sinagua people for over 400 years beginning approximately 1100 AD.  

Back then, access into the structure was most likely permitted by a series of portable ladders, which made it difficult for enemy tribes to penetrate.  Perhaps the main reason the Sinagua chose to build the Castle so far above the ground, however, was to escape the threat of natural disaster in the form of the annual flooding of Beaver Creek, which flooded during the monsoon season.  

The Castle sits about 90 feet up a sheer limestone cliff facing Beaver Creek.  It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America.

Alcoves and cavates may have been formed by Mother Nature, but the Sinagua enlarged them to use as shelter and storage.

The walls of Montezuma Castle were constructed almost entirely from chunks of limestone found at the base of the cliff as well as mud and clay from the creek bottom.  Arizona Sycamore trees were used for roof thatching.  These beautiful trees still grow here as reminders of one of the natural resources used in the construction of the castle.

There is an interesting display of what the Castle may have looked like back in the day.

Hopi say their ancestors purposefully settled and left villages like Montezuma Castle for a reason, one that involves fulfillment of a spiritual covenant. This is definitely a place to let go some magic. Thanks Teddy.