Nearby town: Camp Verde, AZ
Along the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona lies an impressive cliff dwelling built by the southern Sinagua people (a pre-Columbian culture related to the Hokoham culture). Montezuma's Castle was built between 1100 AD and 1425 AD. The area was declared a National Monument in 1906.
The name "Montezuma Castle" is incorrect in both respects. As Linda Richman would say on "Coffee Talk" on Saturday Night Live back in the 90s "Talk amongst yourselves...here's a topic, Montezuma Castle is neither made by Montezuma nor a castle...discuss." When first discovered by European Americans in the 1860s, settlers (incorrectly) assumed that the ruins were built by Montezuma, the powerful Aztec emperor at the time of the Spanish conquest. However, the Sinagua had nothing to do with the Aztecs, and the site was abandoned nearly 40 years before Montezuma himself was born. Furthermore, the dwelling is not a "castle" in the traditional sense of the term in that it is not a fortification nor a seat of government, but is more akin to an apartment complex. I guess "Montezuma Castle" sounds better and more exotic than "Sinagua Duplex." 😉
The main structure is five stories tall and contains about 45-60 rooms. It is situated about 90 feet up a sheer cliff and thanks to its setting in a natural alcove that provides plenty of protection from the weather, is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in all of North America.
Montezuma Castle is a quick and easy visit, for it lies just off I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff, at the town of Camp Verde. There is a museum with lots of artifacts and info about the Sinagua people, and then a short 1/3 mile trail to the base of the cliff with nice views of the cliff dwelling. Unfortunately, there are no tours inside the dwelling and therefore no visitors are allowed to go up into the actual Castle. It makes for a short stop that is great for families looking to take a short educational break from a road trip. Nearby is Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole, which I hear is pretty cool to see but I have not yet had a chance to visit.
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Montezuma Castle is a fun, quick visit. My brother-in-law is currently working there as a Park Ranger. So if you make the stop, be sure to say Hi to Jason. 😊 For more info: https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
Love the coffee talk reference! Come back and see the well!
ReplyDeleteWe definitely want to. Also want to visit Tuzigoot
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