Andrews Outlier facts for kids
Andrews Outlier is an amazing ancient site built by the Ancestral Puebloans. These were early Native American people who lived in the Southwestern United States a long time ago. This special place is found in the Red Mesa Valley, which is in the southern part of the San Juan Basin. It's about 50 miles south of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, USA.
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What is Andrews Outlier?
Andrews Outlier is an archeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study the past by looking at old buildings and objects. The site is famous for having three very large round rooms called kivas. It also has about thirty smaller house structures.
What are Kivas?
Kivas were important rooms for the Ancestral Puebloans. They were often built underground or partly underground. People used kivas for community gatherings, ceremonies, and special rituals. The large kivas at Andrews Outlier suggest that this site was a very important place for these activities.
What Was the Site Used For?
Even though scientists haven't dug up the site yet (this is called excavation), we can learn a lot from what we can see. The way the buildings are designed shows that the main purpose of Andrews Outlier was for community rituals. This means it was a place where people came together for important events and ceremonies.
When Was Andrews Outlier Used?
The Ancestral Puebloans lived at Andrews Outlier for a long time. They occupied the site from around the year 900 CE to about 1100 CE. That's over 200 years!
Who Owns and Manages the Site?
Today, Andrews Outlier is owned by an organization called The Archaeological Conservancy. This group works to protect important archeological sites. The site is also looked after by the US Bureau of Land Management. They help make sure this historical place is preserved for future generations.
